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

2667 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A rectangular frame is made from 5 straight pieces of metal with height 5m and length 12m. One of the pieces of metal goes through the diagonal of the rectangle. The weight of the metal is 1.5 kg per metre. Work out the total weight of the metal


How do I work out the area of a quarter circle with radius 6cm?


A cuboid has sides such that the longest side is two units more than the shortest side, and the middle length side is one unit longer than the shortest side. The total surface area of the cuboid is 52 units². Calculate the length of the shortest side.


Solve these simultaneous equations: 7x+3y=84, 2x+2y=32


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