What is the slope of the line x = 4?

Answer 1

Julia Adams

Undefined

The slope #m# of a line passing through two points #(x_1, y_1)# and #(x_2, y_2)# is given by the formula:

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

In the case of the line #x=4#, which passes through the points #(4, 0)# and #(4, 1)#, the slope is given by:

#m = (1 - 0)/(4-4) = 1/0#

... that is not specified.

You might try to say that its slope is 'infinite', but actually it's not clear whether that should be #+oo# or #-oo#. It's better to recognise that division by #0# is undefined.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Savannah Anderson

The slope of the line x = 4 is undefined.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 3

Jameson Allen

The slope of the line ( x = 4 ) is undefined.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.