Year 10 - Maths
Checking and securing understanding of drawing vertical and horizontal graphs
Linear graphs
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils consider equations that produce parallel or perpendicular graphs and how their equations relate to each other.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to draw graphs of the form y = a; x = a and interpret linear graphs in context.
Key Notes
- Horizontal lines were drawn when finding the solutions of equations graphically.
- Horizontal lines were drawn because you had a fixed value for y
- Vertical lines are drawn when you have fixed value for x
- Real life problems can be solved using a linear graph.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Linear: The relationship between two variables is linear if, when plotted on a pair of axes, a straight line is formed.
- Gradient: The gradient is a measure of how steep a line is.
- Intercept: An intercept is the coordinate where a line or curve meets a given axis.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils draw x = a as a horizontal line because the x axis is horizontal. Pupils draw y = a as a vertical line because the y axis is vertical.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Horizontal lines were drawn when finding the solutions of equations graphically. Horizontal lines were drawn because you had a fixed value for y.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Linear'
The relationship between two variables is linear if, when plotted on a pair of axes, a straight line is formed. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils draw x = a as a horizontal line because the x axis is horizontal. Pupils draw y = a as a vertical line because the y axis is vertical. Correction: Consider the points on the line x = 5 and ask pupils to plot 2-3 points. Can they see why it must be a vertical line?
More Lessons In This Unit
- Advanced problem solving with linear graphs Study Guide
- Checking and securing understanding of drawing linear graphs Study Guide
- Checking and securing understanding of finding the equation of the line from coordinates Study Guide
- Checking and securing understanding of finding the equation of the line from the graph Study Guide
- Checking and understanding graphs showing direct proportion Study Guide
- Graphs showing inverse proportion Study Guide
- Identifying perpendicular linear graphs Study Guide
- Parallel and perpendicular lines on coordinate axes Study Guide
- Parallel linear graphs Study Guide
- Perpendicular linear graphs Study Guide
- Problem solving with linear graphs Study Guide
- Ratios in line segments on coordinate axes Study Guide
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