Lesson 7: Finding the Equation of a Line Using 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐

Lesson Goal: Learn how to find the gradient and y-intercept .

To find the equation of a line in gradient–intercept form y = mx + c , you need to find the value

of the:
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒
- gradient (m) using m = 𝑟𝑢𝑛
- constant (c) , by observing the y -intercept or by substituting another point.

Exercise 4G

Examples:

1) Substitute in a point to find the value of c:

a) (1, 5), y = 2x + c b) (−1, 6), y = 4x + c

2) Determine the equation of the straight line shown here.

1
3) Find the equation of the line that has a gradient of 3
and passes through the point (9, 2).

4) For the line connecting the following pairs of points, find the gradient and the equation.
(-5, 6) and (10, -3)