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Finding the Equation of a Line From a Graph

We can calculate the equation of a line if we have two points on the line or one point and the gradient.

Given two points - method

Given two points - method

  • To find the equation of a line between two points, first calculate the gradient m.
  • Then substitute in one of the points into the equation and rearrange to find c.
  • For example to find the equation of the line between (2,4) and (-1,2)...
Given two points - step 1

Given two points - step 1

  • Find the gradient:
    • change in y = 4 - 2 = 2
    • change in x = 2 - (-1) = 3
    • so m = 23
Given two points - step 2

Given two points - step 2

  • We know the line is y = 23x + c so substitute in x = 2 and y = 4 to find c:
    • (4) = 23(2) + c
    • so c = 83
  • Therefore the line is y = 23x + 83.
Given gradient and point

Given gradient and point

  • To find the equation of a line with a given gradient and going through a point substitute in the point to the line y = mx + c where m is the gradient you’ve been given.
Jump to other topics
1

Number

1.1

Place Value

1.2

Factors & Multiples

1.3

Operations

1.4

Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.5

Growth & Decay

1.6

Measurements & Units

1.7

Accuracy

2

Algebra

2.1

Introduction to Algebra

2.2

Graphs

2.3

Solving Equations

2.4

Sequences

3

Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change

4

Geometry & Measures

4.1

Introduction to Geometry

4.2

Ruler & Compass Constructions

4.3

Perimeter & Area

4.4

Triangles, Quadrilaterals & Circles

4.5

Transformations

4.6

Triangle Formulae

4.7

3D Shapes

4.8

Vectors

5

Probability

6

Statistics

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