If the slope is negative is the rise OR the run negative?

1 Answer
Jul 6, 2015

Either but not both.

Explanation:

If you have two points #(x_1, y_1)# and #(x_2, y_2)# on a line, then the slope #m# of the line is given by the formula:

#m = #rise#/#run#=(Delta y)/(Delta x)=(y_2 - y_1)/(x_2 - x_1)#

Suppose #m < 0#

If the rise is positive, then the run must be negative in order that
rise / run < 0.

If the rise is negative, then the run must be positive in order that
rise / run < 0.