Gradient of a Straight Line
Gradient
Gradient
Gradient is the measure of the steepness of a slope.
Gradient is the measure of the steepness of a slope.
When the gradient is positive, the graph is upward sloping.
When the gradient is positive, the graph is upward sloping.
When the gradient is negative, the graph is downward sloping.
When the gradient is negative, the graph is downward sloping.
When the gradient is zero, the graph is horizontal.
When the gradient is zero, the graph is horizontal.
Explore!
Explore!
Click on Ski in the applet below to observe how the gradient of the slope changes along the ski track.
Click on Ski in the applet below to observe how the gradient of the slope changes along the ski track.
Explore!
Explore!
Use the applet below to explore the properties of gradient.
Use the applet below to explore the properties of gradient.
By moving points A and B about, can you make a slope with:
By moving points A and B about, can you make a slope with:
(i) Gradient = 1.4, (ii) Gradient = -0.25, (iii) Gradient = 0, and (iv) Gradient = undefined
(i) Gradient = 1.4, (ii) Gradient = -0.25, (iii) Gradient = 0, and (iv) Gradient = undefined
Brain Teaser!
Brain Teaser!
In the applet below, can you explain why there is a missing square?
In the applet below, can you explain why there is a missing square?
Hint!
Hint!
Is the gradient of the red and blue triangle equal?
Is the gradient of the red and blue triangle equal?
Test Yourself!
Test Yourself!
Use the applet below to check your understanding of finding the gradient of a given line.
Use the applet below to check your understanding of finding the gradient of a given line.
If the gradient is Undefined, press U.
If the gradient is Undefined, press U.
If the gradient is a Fraction, key the numerator before pressing a/b to key the denominator.
If the gradient is a Fraction, key the numerator before pressing a/b to key the denominator.
If you want to toggle between a positive and negative answer, click +/-.
If you want to toggle between a positive and negative answer, click +/-.
Next: Equation of a Straight Line
Next: Equation of a Straight Line