Can you explain how to find straight line equations?

Straight line equations always come in the form y=mx+c, where m is the gradient of the line (how steep it it) and c is the point where the line crosses the y axis (the y intercept).If you are given two points say 1 - (2, -4) and 2 - (6, 8) we can find the equation of the line that runs through them.First we find the gradient - this is the change in y over the change in x, (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)Here this is (8- (-4)) / (6 -2) = 12/4 = 3Next we plug this into the form of the equation and use one of the points to find ceg using point 1, -4 = 3 x 2 + cwe then re arrange -4 - 6 = cTherefore c = -10Finally we use all the values we have found to create the straight line equation,y=3 x -10

JQ
Answered by Judy Q. Maths tutor

2728 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Expand and simplify (x-2)(2x+3)(x+1)


Please expand this equation and simplify: (2x + 5)(9x -4)


Triangle PQR is a right angled triangle. PQ is the hypotenuse and is 5cm long and QR has length 3cm. What is the length of side PR? Show your working.


What does it mean to solve an equation for x?


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