What is the slope formula used in coordinate geometry?

The slope formula in coordinate geometry is expressed as the change in the y-values divided by the change in the x-values between two distinct points on a line. Mathematically, this is represented as (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

This formula effectively calculates how steep a line is and the direction it takes by comparing the vertical change (the difference in the y-coordinates) to the horizontal change (the difference in the x-coordinates) between two points, noted as (x1, y1) and (x2, y2). A positive result indicates a line that rises from left to right, while a negative result indicates a line that falls from left to right.

Thus, the correct answer utilizes the appropriate variables for determining the change in position along both axes, making it fundamental for analyzing linear relationships in a Cartesian plane.