Gradient of a Curve
Maths: Edexcel A Level Pure Maths, topic 7.1.1
Estimating Gradient
For a line that isn't straight, we can estimate roughly what the gradient is.
Gradient at a point
- To estimate the gradient at a point draw a tangent to the curve at that point.
- Work out the gradient of the tangent.
- Remember that gradient = change in y ÷ change in x.
Gradient = change in y ÷ change in x
- To estimate the gradient use gradient = change in y ÷ change in x.
- But remember it is only an estimate because the curve isn’t straight.
Test yourself on Gradient of a Curve
What is the gradient of a straight line between (10,0) and (12,2)?
What is the gradient of a straight line between (-6,0) and (0,12)?