What is the formula for calculating the slope between two points?

Prepare for the TEAS Nursing Entrance Exam with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to ensure you ace your test and start your nursing career.

The formula for calculating the slope between two points is derived from the difference in the vertical coordinates (y-values) over the difference in the horizontal coordinates (x-values). In this case, the correct formula is represented as the change in y divided by the change in x, which is (Y₂ - Y₁) / (X₂ - X₁).

This formula effectively measures how much y changes relative to how much x changes as you move from one point to the other. The numerator, (Y₂ - Y₁), reflects the vertical change (rise), while the denominator, (X₂ - X₁), represents the horizontal change (run). Thus, the slope provides the rate at which y changes for a given change in x, essential for understanding trends in mathematical functions, graphs, and even real-world scenarios.

The other options either misuse the order of the coordinates or incorporate incorrect mathematical operations, which do not align with the standard definition of slope. Therefore, C is indeed the correct answer to calculate the slope between two points on a Cartesian plane.

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