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