š® Algebra Realm Ā· Graphs
Negative gradient focuses on how to recognise and interpret lines that fall from left to right. In this lesson, focus on straight-line graphs connect coordinates, rates and equations.
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Negative gradient focuses on how to recognise and interpret lines that fall from left to right. In this lesson, focus on straight-line graphs connect coordinates, rates and equations.
Straight-line graphs connect coordinates, rates and equations. Gradient measures vertical change per horizontal step; the y-intercept records the value when x is zero. For negative gradient, the final written answer should make that exact relationship visible rather than hiding it inside an unexplained result.
Negative gradient: Straight-line graphs connect coordinates, rates and equations. Substitute one plotted coordinate into the equation or count a second rise-and-run triangle. Keep the negative gradient representation visible until the final line.
Plot draggable points on a coordinate plane, draw the line and compare its rise, run and axis crossing. Use the model to explain one change you notice while working on negative gradient.
Substitute one plotted coordinate into the equation or count a second rise-and-run triangle. Write that check beside the final negative gradient answer.
A line falling 6 over a run of 3 has gradient -2.
Visual / interactive
Plot draggable points on a coordinate plane, draw the line and compare its rise, run and axis crossing. Use the model to explain one change you notice while working on negative gradient.
Worked examples
Understand the idea with small numbers, one representation and one clear step.
Use the standard Year 8 method with mixed examples and normal wording.
Handle multi-step or less familiar questions and explain choices.
Solve a worded question, show reasoning, check accuracy and write a final sentence.
Given information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (2, 6) and (4, 12). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 6 Ć· 2 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Given information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (14, 42) and (24, 72). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 30 Ć· 10 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Check: Describe the decreasing relationship.
Given information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (13, 39) and (20, 60). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 21 Ć· 7 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Try explaining why each step works before checking the answer.
Given information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (12, 36) and (16, 48). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 12 Ć· 4 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Substitute one plotted coordinate into the equation or count a second rise-and-run triangle. Write that check beside the final negative gradient answer.
Create a negative gradient problem with a tempting incorrect answer. Solve it, apply the check, and explain exactly where the incorrect method breaks down.
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Use plot patrol controls to solve three checked negative gradient rounds. Solve at least two of three marked rounds and use feedback to correct any error.
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Negative gradient: Straight-line graphs connect coordinates, rates and equations. Substitute one plotted coordinate into the equation or count a second rise-and-run triangle. Keep the negative gradient representation visible until the final line.
Tap to mark reviewedcoordinate Ā· gradient Ā· y-intercept Ā· axis Ā· linear relationship Ā· negative
Tap to mark reviewedLabel and read both axes. Plot or identify ordered pairs as x first, then y. Use rise divided by run for gradient or read the y-axis crossing for intercept. Check the relationship with a second point or a table value. Record the check explicitly for negative gradient.
Tap to mark reviewedA line falling 6 over a run of 3 has gradient -2.
Tap to mark reviewedGiven information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (2, 6) and (4, 12). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 6 Ć· 2 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Tap to mark reviewedGiven information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (14, 42) and (24, 72). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 30 Ć· 10 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Tap to mark reviewedGiven information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (13, 39) and (20, 60). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 21 Ć· 7 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Tap to mark reviewedGiven information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (12, 36) and (16, 48). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 12 Ć· 4 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Tap to mark reviewedReading coordinates in the wrong order. This is a key trap when answering negative gradient questions.
Tap to mark reviewedFor negative gradient, show the key representation before the final calculation. Use this final check: Substitute one plotted coordinate into the equation or count a second rise-and-run triangle.
Tap to mark reviewedTravel graphs, Fixed fees and rates
Tap to mark reviewedI can explain negative gradient, use the method, check for mistakes, and answer an exam-style question.
Tap to mark reviewedIām Stuck
Use this whenever a question feels confusing. Nothing here is locked.
Negative gradient: Straight-line graphs connect coordinates, rates and equations. Substitute one plotted coordinate into the equation or count a second rise-and-run triangle. Keep the negative gradient representation visible until the final line.
Think of negative gradient as a careful model: make the important values visible, change one thing at a time, and use the check to prove the answer fits.
Start by naming the given information and the exact result required for negative gradient.
Label and read both axes.
Given information: Negative gradient ā Find the gradient between (2, 6) and (4, 12). Method choice: use the negative gradient method and show each step with the stated values. Calculation or reasoning: Change in y Ć· change in x = 6 Ć· 2 = 3. Final answer: 3. Check: substitute or compare with the original information to confirm the result fits the question.
Method: Label and read both axes. ā Plot or identify ordered pairs as x first, then y. ā Use rise divided by run for gradient or read the y-axis crossing for intercept. ā Check the relationship with a second point or a table value. Record the check explicitly for negative gradient.
Reading coordinates in the wrong order. This is a key trap when answering negative gradient questions.
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