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Coordinate Geometry

infoWhy this? Coordinate geometry makes algebraic relationships visible through lines and curves. Gradients, intercepts, midpoints, roots, and turning points provide meaningful features for interpreting linear and quadratic models.

scheduleWhy now? Year 8 established y = mx + c, while recent algebra work developed rearrangement and quadratic expressions. This unit combines those foundations to draw equations efficiently and interpret both linear and quadratic graphs.

neurologyYou need to know

  • A linear equation in the form `y=mx+c` has a graph that is a straight line.
  • In `y=mx+c`, `m` is the gradient (slope) and `c` is the y-intercept, the value of `y` when `x=0`.
  • Gradient is the change in `y` divided by the change in `x`, so `m=\Delta y/\Delta x` and can be interpreted as “rise over run”.
  • A positive gradient slopes upwards from left to right, and a negative gradient slopes downwards from left to right.
  • The y-intercept is the point where a graph crosses the y-axis and has coordinates `(0,c)` for a line in the form `y=mx+c`.
  • The x-intercept is the point where a graph crosses the x-axis and always has `y=0`.
  • The roots (or zeros) of a graph are the x-values where `y=0`, so each root is the x-coordinate of an x-intercept.
  • Rearranging a linear equation means using inverse operations to make `y` the subject, ending in the form `y=mx+c`.
  • A line segment joining points `A(x_1,y_1)` and `B(x_2,y_2)` has a midpoint exactly halfway between them.
  • The midpoint of `A(x_1,y_1)` and `B(x_2,y_2)` is `\left(\frac{x_1+x_2}{2},\frac{y_1+y_2}{2}\right)`.
  • A quadratic function can be written as `y=ax^2+bx+c`, and its graph is a parabola that opens upwards or downwards.
  • For a quadratic, if `a>0` the parabola opens upwards (has a minimum), and if `a<0` it opens downwards (has a maximum).
  • Quadratic graphs are smooth curves and should not be drawn by joining points with straight line segments.
  • A table of values for a function lists chosen x-values and the corresponding y-values found by substitution.
  • A turning point (vertex) on a quadratic graph is the point where the graph changes direction and has either the lowest or highest y-value on the curve.
  • The y-intercept of any graph is found where it crosses the y-axis (at `x=0`), and for a quadratic `y=ax^2+bx+c` this is `(0,c)`.
  • Graphical features can be estimated by reading coordinates from the grid, so answers are usually approximate unless the point lies exactly on grid intersections.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

  • Rearrange a given linear equation into the form `y=mx+c` by collecting like terms and using inverse operations so that `y` is alone on one side.
  • Draw a straight-line graph from `y=mx+c` without a table by plotting the y-intercept `(0,c)` and using the gradient `m` as a rise/run to plot a second point, then drawing a straight line through the points.
  • Convert a gradient given as a fraction (for example `m=\frac{3}{2}`) into a repeatable step pattern on the grid (up 3, right 2) to plot points accurately.
  • Find the midpoint of a line segment between `A(x_1,y_1)` and `B(x_2,y_2)` by averaging the x-coordinates and averaging the y-coordinates.
  • Construct a table of values for a quadratic by substituting each chosen x-value into the equation and calculating the corresponding y-value accurately.
  • Plot a quadratic graph by marking the coordinate pairs from the table and sketching a smooth, symmetric curve through them.
  • Recognise whether a given graph represents a quadratic by identifying a parabola shape with a single turning point (opening up or down).
  • Find roots (x-intercepts), the y-intercept, and the turning point from a graph by reading the relevant coordinates from the axes and the vertex, stating answers to an appropriate degree of accuracy.


Revision Quiz

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