Gradient
What Gradient means in Mathematics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Gradient
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
On a distance-time graph it gives speed, and on a velocity-time graph it gives acceleration, found using change in y divided by change in x.
The vertical step divided by the horizontal step, and two different lines with equal gradients are parallel.
The change in y divided by the change in x between two points, so m = (y₂ − y₁)/(x₂ − x₁).
The steepness of a straight line, interpreted as 'm' in the linear function y = mx + c.
In y = mx + c, the value m, read only after rearranging so that y is on its own.
Vertical coordinate change divided by horizontal coordinate change for a straight line, provided the horizontal change is non-zero.
Topics that use Gradient
- Graphs (AQA GCSE)
- Algebra - Graphs (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Geometry and measures - Properties and constructions (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
Using Gradient in the exam
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