💡 Interactive lessons · free, no sign-up
Slope and straight lines: y = mx + b
Play Slope and Straight Lines
Loading Slope and Straight Lines…
How to play Slope and Straight Lines
- Look at the line on the grid. Notice how much it rises when you move one step to the right.
- Move the sliders to change the diagram and watch what happens. The readout under the picture shows the numbers.
- Answer each question. If you are wrong you get a hint and can try again, with no penalty.
- Some steps ask you to make something happen, such as hitting a target value. Experiment until it works.
- Finish the lesson to earn XP and see how many questions you got right first time.
Tips and strategy
- Do not rush. The sliders are there to be played with, so try extreme values as well as sensible ones.
- Say what you notice out loud or write it down before you press Continue.
- Use the hint when you are stuck, and then try to explain the answer in your own words.
- Rise over run: how far up for each step across?
Keep playing
More games you might like
Interactive lessons · Ages 11+NewThe Pythagorean TheoremSee a² + b² = c² with squares on the sides of a right triangle.
Pythagorean theoremright triangles
Play
Maths games · Ages 10+NewEquation BalanceSolve equations on a balance scale by doing the same thing to both sides.
algebrasolving equations
Play
Maths games · Ages 9+NewCoordinate BattleshipsFind hidden ships by naming points as (x, y). Positive grid or all four quadrants.
coordinatesgraphs
Play
Maths games · Ages 6+NewMaths PracticePractise 126 maths skills for Grade 1 to 8 with instant feedback and a mastery score.
maths practicegrade 1 to 8
Play
FAQ
Slope and Straight Lines: questions
What does m mean in y = mx + b?
m is the slope of the line: the change in y for each 1 step in x. It tells you how steep the line is and whether it goes up or down.
What does b mean in y = mx + b?
b is the y-intercept: the value of y where the line crosses the y-axis, which is when x = 0.
How do you find the slope from two points?
Subtract the y-values and the x-values and divide: slope = (y2 − y1) ÷ (x2 − x1). This is 'rise over run'.
What age is this lesson for?
It suits ages 12 and up (Grades 7 to 9). Younger learners who know coordinates can try the first steps.
Start a conversation
Questions about classes?
A parent or guardian can share the learner's age, level and goals, and we'll suggest a starting point and confirm the format before anything is booked.
- Tell us the learner’s age or grade and goals
- We’ll suggest a suitable class or learning path
- We’ll confirm format, timing and fees with a parent or guardian