GraphsDeep Dive

Finding the Equation of a Line

Part of Linear Graphs ProblemsGCSE Mathematics

This deep dive covers Finding the Equation of a Line within Linear Graphs Problems for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Linear Graphs Problems in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 16 exam-style questions and 11 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 3 of 10 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 10

Practice

16 questions

Recall

11 flashcards

Finding the Equation of a Line

Method 1: From a Graph

  1. Read the y-intercept c directly from the graph (where the line crosses the y-axis)
  2. Choose two clear points on the line (grid intersections)
  3. Calculate gradient: m = (change in y) ÷ (change in x)
  4. Write y = mx + c

Method 2: From Two Points

  1. Calculate gradient: m = (y₂ − y₁) ÷ (x₂ − x₁)
  2. Substitute m and one point into y = mx + c
  3. Solve for c
  4. Write the complete equation

Example: Find the equation of the line through (2, 7) and (5, 16).

Step 1: m = (16 − 7) ÷ (5 − 2) = 9 ÷ 3 = 3

Step 2: Substitute (2, 7): 7 = 3(2) + c → c = 7 − 6 = 1

Step 3: y = 3x + 1

Check with (5, 16): 3(5) + 1 = 16 ✓

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Linear Graphs Problems. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Linear Graphs Problems

A taxi company charges a fixed fee plus an amount per mile. On a cost graph (£ against miles), what does the y-intercept represent?

  • A. The cost per mile
  • B. The total cost of the journey
  • C. The fixed charge before any miles are travelled
  • D. The gradient of the line
1 markfoundation

A plumber charges according to the formula C = 40t + 30, where C is the total cost in pounds and t is the time in hours. Explain what the values 40 and 30 represent in this context.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What does each letter in y = mx + c represent?
y = mx + c m = gradient (steepness of the line) c = y-intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis) Example: y = 3x + 2 has gradient 3 and crosses y-axis at (0, 2).
Steps to find the equation of a line from a graph
1. Read the y-intercept (c) where line crosses y-axis 2. Choose two clear points on the line 3. Calculate gradient m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1) 4. Write y = mx + c Example: crosses (0, 1), gradient 2 → y = 2x + 1

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