Question #3efc2

1 Answer
Apr 19, 2016

Gradient is the slope of a graph at point of interest.
For straight line graph it remains same. For curves, it changes as per location of the point of interest.

Explanation:

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For a straight line graph, select any two points (x_1,y_1)(x1,y1) and (x_2,y_2)(x2,y2) on the line.
Calculate, "Gradient"=(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)Gradient=y2y1x2x1
Recall that for an equation of line in the form y=mx+cy=mx+c,
mm is the gradient or the slope of the line.

![hubstatic.com](useruploads.socratic.org)
Gradient or slope could be positive or negative as shown in the straight line graphs above. Observe the value of mm.

For curved graphs, one has to draw a tangent at the point of interest. Gradient of the tangent is the gradient of the graph at that point.

![http://antonine-education.co.uk](https://useruploads.socratic.org/bla51RSfT56awrPkbvOE_graph_2.JPG)

This is done by first drawing a line at 90 degrees to the curve at the point where one is required to calculate the gradient of curved graph, a normal or ⊥ line. Then drawing the tangent at 90 degrees to this normal.