Gradients

on graphs
Looking at graphs
What do we
mean by…

…the gradient
of a graph…?
Looking at graphs

Where is the curve steepest?

Where does he accelerate the most?
Where is the steepest gradient?
Looking at graphs

Here the gradient is higher,

and
the rate of change of speed is higher.
Looking at graphs

Here the gradient is smaller,

and
the rate of change of speed is smaller.
Gradient of a graph
The slope or gradient of a graph can give
you important information.
But when you’ve …how do you
drawn a graph… calculate the
gradient of it?

It can be done in 3 steps:

Gradient of a graph
Here is the graph from an experiment
to measure the extension of a spring

It shows the
load applied
to the spring
(in N) and
the extension
it causes
(in mm).
Gradient of a graph Step 1

Draw a large
right-angled
triangle
as shown here:
Gradient of a graph Step 2

Find the value of the

two sides Y and X
in the units of
the graph.

In the diagram,
Y = 20 mm and X = 60 N. Can you see why?
Gradient of a graph Step 3

Calculate the
gradient (slope)
of the graph
by dividing Y/ X

(Keep the units with

the numbers, so that
you find the unit of
the gradient.)

From the diagram:

= 0.33 mm/N
gradient  =  Y X = 2060
mm
N