GCSE Statistics · key term

Gradient

Definition

The change in the predicted y-value for each one-unit increase in x; for $y=a+bx$ , the gradient is b.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 2e.04, 2f.01 · Paper 1, Paper 2

The gradient measures the change in predicted y for each one-unit increase in x.
Revise: Lines of best fit
The change in the vertical-axis quantity divided by the corresponding change in the horizontal-axis quantity: $m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$ .
Revise: Identifying time series trends

1
In y = a + bx, a is the intercept and b is the gradient.
2
To calculate a gradient, choose two well-separated points on the fitted line, not two observations that lie off it.
3
Interpret gradient and intercept using the variables and units in the question, rather than just naming them.

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GCSE Statistics · key term

The change in the predicted y-value for each one-unit increase in x; for $y=a+bx$ , the gradient is b.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 2e.04, 2f.01 · Paper 1, Paper 2

The gradient measures the change in predicted y for each one-unit increase in x.
Revise: Lines of best fit
The change in the vertical-axis quantity divided by the corresponding change in the horizontal-axis quantity: $m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$ .
Revise: Identifying time series trends

1
In y = a + bx, a is the intercept and b is the gradient.
2
To calculate a gradient, choose two well-separated points on the fitted line, not two observations that lie off it.
3
Interpret gradient and intercept using the variables and units in the question, rather than just naming them.

Create a free account to read GCSE Statistics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.