Calculate the Gradient of a Line

In this activity, we will be working out the gradient of a line on a coordinate grid.

There is just one important rule to remember. 

Here it is!

The gradient of a line = y-step ÷ x-step

Example

Find the gradient of the red line.

Answer

First, we must find points with whole number coordinates on the red line in order to build a step.

The vertical part of the step (y-step) = 4

The horizontal part of the step (x-step) = 2

Gradient of line = y-step ÷ x-step = 4 ÷ 2 = 2

Want a bit more help with this before you begin? Why not watch this short video?