The gradient of a straight line measures its steepness.
Formula
Gradient $= \dfrac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}} = \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$
Example: from $(1,1)$ to $(4,7)$, gradient $= \dfrac{7-1}{4-1} = \dfrac{6}{3} = 2$. A horizontal line has gradient 0.
Remember
- Gradient = rise ÷ run.
- Uphill (left→right) is positive; horizontal is 0.