Archive for August 24, 2008
Graph Paper
If you need graph paper, you can download it here. Alternatively you can go to this site to create other types of graph paper.
What is a gradient?
The gradient of a line is the slope of the line. Gradient is defined as vertical rise/horizontal run. It is denoted by the letter m, where m = (y1-y2)/(x1-x2). (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) are any two points on the line. For any line, we can also draw a right-angled triangle to measure the gradient of the line. See the following diagram.
Two methods to calculate gradient, m
- Method 1
- Use the formula m = (y1-y2)/(x1-x2)
- Method 2
- Draw a right-angled triangle (see diagram above)
- Find the vertical rise (y2 – y1) [Measuring the vertical distance]
- Find the horizontal run (x2 – x1) [Measuring the horizontal distance]
- Calculate the gradient = vertical rise/horizontal run
Question: Is the formula m = (y1-y2)/(x1-x2) and m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1) the same?