Gradient Function

Gradient Function Introduction For this project, I will deduce the gradient for several y=axn graphs and with this find any sort of relationships between the x values and the gradient. A gradient is the steepness of a curve at a point. Gradients can prove to be very useful. It usually means something in most graphs for e.g. in distance-time graphs, the gradient indicates the speed. The gradient formula for a straight line is: Gradient = Change in y Change in x However, since the y=axn forms a curve rather than a simple straight line, it is much more apprehensive to calculate its gradient. Therefore, another method has to be applied. The gradient for the non-linear graph is the steepness of a curve at one particular point. In order to find this, I will need to draw specific tangents on different x-axis points. A tangent in a non-linear graph is a straight line that essentially touches the curve at one point with two tiny alike angles either side. It must not touch more than one particular point or intersect the curve, as this will distort the outcome. As a result, we can say that the curve's steepness at a particular point is identical to the tangent formed in that specific curve. I will draw four graphs: y=x2, y=x3 y=2x2 and y=x-1. From each of these graphs I will infer different gradients and compare my results with the theoretical result that is found by using the

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Maths
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The Gradient Function Coursework

The Gradient Function Coursework In this piece of coursework I am going to do research on the gradient of various graphs at various points, in order to find a function, which will determine the gradient of these points without drawing or using approximations. I will only need to know the coordinates of the point as well as the type of graph I am considering, to submit them into the gradient function and determine the gradient at this point. The formulae I will use and produce will have particular parameters. Now I am going to explain them. a: this letter will stand for the coefficient of x in the function y=ax^n and determines how steep the graph will be. n: this letter will be the power to which x is raised in the function y=ax^n and determines the shape of the graph. m: this letter will stand for the gradient at any point of any graph. I can say for example the gradient at the point P(1;1) of the graph y=x is 1. Therefore here m=1. The first range of graphs I am going to investigate will have the function y=ax. I will draw three graphs on the next pages and hope to see a pattern between the gradient and the function of the graphs. I do not need to consider the coordinates of the points at which I will determine the gradient, as the gradient is the same at any point on the graph y=ax. From these three graphs I clearly recognise a pattern. I will show how I noticed

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  • Word count: 3186
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Maths
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