Slope and Linear Functions Vocabulary

Grade 8 · Math · Flashcards

Master the key terms for understanding slope, linear functions, and their graphs.

Flashcards

Slope: The steepness of a line, calculated as rise over run (change in y divided by change in x).
Rise Over Run: The formula for slope: (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁).
Y-Intercept: The point where a line crosses the y-axis; represented as b in y = mx + b.
X-Intercept: The point where a line crosses the x-axis (where y = 0).
Slope-Intercept Form: The equation y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
Positive Slope: A line that rises from left to right; slope value is greater than zero.
Negative Slope: A line that falls from left to right; slope value is less than zero.
Zero Slope: A horizontal line with no rise; slope equals 0.
Undefined Slope: A vertical line; slope cannot be calculated because the run is 0 (division by zero).
Linear Function: A function whose graph is a straight line; written as f(x) = mx + b.
Rate of Change: How much one quantity changes relative to another; equivalent to slope in a linear relationship.
Proportional Relationship: A linear relationship that passes through the origin (0, 0), with the form y = kx.