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

2837 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find x and y using the equations 3x + y= 10, x + y = 4


How do I calculate negative powers?


Celine has £5 to buy pens and rubbers. Pens are 18p each. Rubbers are 30p each. She says “I will buy 15 pens. Then I will buy as many rubbers as possible. With my change I will buy more pens.” How many pens and how many rubbers does she buy? [5 marks]


How does Pythagoras Theorem work?


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