What is the equation of a straight line? Describe what all the terms within the equation do.

The equation of a straight line is: y = mx + c
There is a 'y term', y, and an 'x term', x.
The gradient of the line, m, is the slope of the straight line. The larger the value of m, the steeper the slope.
The 'y-intercept', c, is the point that the straight line crosses the y axis (at x=0), when the line is drawn on an x-y graph. If c=0, the straight line passes through the 'origin'.

NS
Answered by Nick S. Maths tutor

3992 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations: y=x^2 + 3x + 7 and y=x + 10


I know the formula, but I don't understand it.


I have £300 I want to split between my daughters Megan, Danni and laura in the ratio 3:4:1 respectively. How much money will Danni get?


3n + 2 < 14, and 6n / (n ^2 + 5) >1. Find the values that n can take.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning