Gradients of Lines Example

The gradient is the slope of a straight line graph, also known as a linear graph. The gradient is said to be steep, or less steep. Mathematically we describe the gradient using numbers. A positive gradient moves in a different direction to a negative gradient. The diagrams below show the direction of positive and negative gradients. The slopes move right when the gradient is positive and left when the gradient is negative.

For other straight-line graphs worksheets try here: Straight-Line Graphs Worksheets. For Quadratic Graphs try here: Quadratic Graphs Worksheets.

How to Find The Gradients of Straight Lines

Finding the gradients of straight line graphs involves finding the difference between 'rise over run'. A right angled triangle that faces right indicates a positive gradient. A right angled triangle that faces left indicates a negative gradient. In the first example below the calculation 2 ÷ 1 works out the 'rise over run'. The gradient is positive 2. In the second example the calculation 5 ÷ 1 works out the 'rise over run'. The gradient is positive 5 . Straight line graphs are also known as linear graphs.