GraphsDeep Dive

Special Cases and Variations

Part of y = mx + cGCSE Mathematics

This deep dive covers Special Cases and Variations within y = mx + c for GCSE Mathematics. Revise y = mx + c in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 10 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 9 of 9 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 9 of 9

Practice

10 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

Special Cases and Variations

Equation Type Form Special Property
Through origin y = mx c = 0, passes through (0, 0)
Horizontal line y = c m = 0, parallel to x-axis
Steep positive y = 5x + c Large positive gradient
Gentle negative y = -0.5x + c Small negative gradient
45° line y = x + c m = 1, rises 1 for every 1 across

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in y = mx + c. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for y = mx + c

For the line y = 3x – 2, what is the gradient?

  • A. –2
  • B. 3
  • C. 2
  • D. –3
1 markfoundation

Two students write down equations for parallel lines: Student A writes: y = 2x + 1 Student B writes: y = 2x + 1 Explain why these two lines are NOT parallel to each other.

2 markshigher

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is special about y = mx?
It passes through the origin (0, 0) because c = 0.
What gradient gives a 45° line?
m = 1 (rises 1 unit for every 1 unit across)

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