How do you find the gradient of a line?

There are 2 methods used for finding the gradient of a line in 2D space, depending on whether it is a straight line or a curve.
To find the gradient a straight line you must first take the equation of the line, for example and put it into the standard form for an equation of a straight line (y=mx+c) the gradient will be the value of m in this case. If you are not given the equation then you must find 2 points on the line, and find the difference between the 2 "x" values and the 2 "y" values, then divide the difference in "y" values by the difference between the "x" values.
To find the gradient of a curve you must differentiate the equation of the curve.

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the set of values of x for which x(x-4) > 12


Find the tangent to the curve y = x^2 + 3x + 2 that passes through the point (-1,0), sketch the curve and the tangent.


A sweet is modelled as a sphere of radius 10mm and is sucked. After five minutes, the radius has decreased to 7mm. The rate of decrease of the radius is inversely proportional to the square of the radius. How long does it take for the sweet to dissolve?


The first three terms of an arithmetic series are p, 5p – 8, and 3p + 8 respectively. (a) Show that p=4 (b) Find the value of the 50th term in the series.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences