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.

Answered by Maths tutor

6780 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Given a table showing grouped data and the frequency of each class, find the median Q2


Differentiate: y=12x(2x+1)+1/x


Given y = 2x^2 + 3x + 2 find dy/dx


ln(2x^2 + 9x – 5) = 1 + ln(x^2 + 2x – 15). Express x in terms of e


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning