3.5.4

Positive & Negative Gradients

Test yourself

Positive and Negative Gradients

On a curved graph, the gradient at a point is the instantaneous rate of change. Gradients can be positive or negative:

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Negative gradient

  • A line with a negative slope (downhill) has a negative gradient.
    • As x increases, y decreases.
Illustrative background for Positive gradientIllustrative background for Positive gradient ?? "content

Positive gradient

  • A line with a positive slope (uphill) has a positive gradient.
    • As x increases, y increases.
  • A steeper line has a higher rate of change than a shallower one.
    • As x changes, the change in y is bigger for a steeper line than for a shallower line.

Jump to other topics

1Number

1.1Using Numbers

1.2Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.3Powers & Roots

1.4Accuracy

2Algebra

2.1Introduction to Algebra

2.2Manipulating Algebra

2.3Proofs & Functions

2.4Straight Line Graphs

2.5Common Graphs

2.6Transformations & Tangents

2.7Properties of Graphs

2.8Solving Equations

2.9Inequalities

2.10Sequences

3Ratio

4Geometry

4.1Introduction to Geometry

4.2Triangles & Quadrilaterals

4.3Transformations

4.4Circle Basics

4.5Circle Theorems

4.6Measurements & Units

4.7Calculating Area

4.8Triangle Formulae

4.93D Shapes

4.10Vectors

5Probability

6Statistics

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