1. ©G Dear 2009 – Not to be sold/Free to use
General Mathematics
Preliminary
Modelling Linear
Relationships
Gradient &
Intercept
Stage 6 - Year 11
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©G Dear 2009 – Not to be sold/Free to use

2. Gradient and Intercept (1/3)
is the rate of change of the
dependent variable for one unit of the independent variable.
Vertical Rise
Gradient =
Horizontal Run 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
(5,7)
rise
run m
m =
7-3 4
5-1 4 4
(1,3) =
= 1

3. Gradient and Intercept (2/3)
Gradients can be:
Positive
An Increasing function
Zero
Horizontal
Negative
A Decreasing function

4. Gradient and Y-Intercept (3/3)
The y-intercept is where the function crosses the vertical axis. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
(5,7)
y-intercept = 2
(1,3)
The y-intercept is dependent variable when the independent variable is zero.