P1 Chapter 5 :: Straight Line

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Last modified: 23rd July 2018

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Prior Knowledge Check

?
Chapter Overview
There is little new theory since GCSE, but the algebraic manipulation is harder.

1:: 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 , Gradient & Determining Equations 2:: Parallel/Perpendicular Lines

Find the equation of the line passing through (2,3) A line is perpendicular to
and 7,5 , giving your equation in the form 3𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 11 = 0 and passes
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are integers. through 0, −8 . Find the
NEW! since GCSE
equation of the line.
The equation 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥1 for a line with
given gradient and going through a given point.

3:: Lengths and Areas 4:: Modelling

The line 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6 crosses A plumber charges a fixed cost
the 𝑥-axis and 𝑦-axis at the plus a unit cost per day. If he
points 𝐴 and 𝐵 respectively. charges £840 for 2 days work
Determine: and …
(a) The length 𝐴𝐵 and
(b) The area 𝑂𝐴𝐵.
 y
Let’s start simple… 4

What is the equation of

this line? 3

And more importantly,

2
why is it that?
1

x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

-1

-2

-3

𝑥=
? 2
-4
For any point we pick on the
line, the 𝑥 value is always 2.
Lines and Equations of Lines
A line consists of all points which satisfy some equation in terms
of 𝑥 and/or 𝑦.

Sorry,
Yes, youyoucan
2 3can’t
+ join
join−1as:as= 5
22you
so 30 ++ 25=join.
can =85
Get lost.
Examples
This means we can substitute the values of a coordinate into our equation
whenever we know the point lies on the line.

The point 5, 𝑎 lies on the line with equation 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2. Determine the value of 𝑎.

Substituting in 𝑥 and 𝑦 value:

?𝑎 = 3 5 + 2
𝑎 = 17

Find the coordinate of the point where the line 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 5 cuts the 𝑥-axis.

On the 𝑥-axis, 𝑦 = 0. Substituting:

2𝑥 + 0 = 5
?5 5
𝑥= → ,0
2 2
Test Your Understanding
Determine where the line 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 3 crosses the:

a) 𝑦-axis: Let 𝒙 = 𝟎.
𝟑
𝟐𝒚 = 𝟑 →? 𝒚 = 𝟐
𝟑
𝟎,
𝟐
b) 𝑥-axis: Let 𝒚 = 𝟎
𝒙+𝟎 = 𝟑 ?
𝟑, 𝟎

What mistakes do you think it’s easy to make?

• Mixing up 𝒙/𝒚: Putting answer as (𝟎, 𝟑) rather than (𝟑, 𝟎).
? or 𝒙 = 𝟎 to find the 𝒙-intercept.
• Setting 𝒚 = 𝟎 to find the 𝒚-intercept,
Recap of gradient
The steepness of a line is known as the gradient.
It tells us what 𝑦 changes by as 𝑥 increases by 1.
So if the 𝑦 value increased by 6 as the 𝑥
value increased by 2, what is 𝑦 increasing
by for each unit increase of 𝑥?
𝑚 How would that give us a suitable formula
for the gradient 𝑚?
1

Δ𝑦
𝑚= ?
Δ𝑥
Δ is the (capital) Greek letter
“delta” and means “change in”.
Textbook Note:
𝑦2−𝑦1
The textbook uses 𝑚 = for two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2, 𝑦2 . Reasons I don’t use it for non-algebraic coordinates:
𝑥2−𝑥1
• Students often get the 𝑦1 and 𝑦2 the wrong way round (or with the 𝑥’s)
• Students often make sign errors when dealing with negatives, e.g. −3 − −4
• It can’t be done as easily mentally,
• Students see it as “yet another formula to learn” when really all you need is to appreciate is what gradient is, i.e. “ 𝑦
change per 𝑥 change”.
Examples
Find the gradient of the line that goes through the points:

1 1, 4 (3, 10) 𝑚 = 3?
2 5, 7 (8, 1) 𝑚 = −2
?

8
3 2, 2 (−1, 10) 𝑚 = −?
3
4 Show that the points A 3,4 , 𝐵 5,5 , 𝐶 11,8
all lie on a straight line.
𝟏 𝟑 𝟏
𝒎𝑨𝑩 = 𝒎𝑩𝑪 = =
𝟐 ? 𝟔 𝟐 If points are
‘collinear’ they lie
Gradients the same ∴ ‘collinear’. on the same line.
Further Example
The line joining 2, −5 to 4, 𝑎 has gradient -1. Work out the
value of 𝑎.

𝑎 − −5
= −1
4−2
𝑎+5 ?
= −1
2
𝑎 = −7
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
One form we can put a straight line equation in is:

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
Gradient 𝑦-intercept

Why does it work?

• The 𝒚-intercept by definition is the 𝒚 value when 𝒙 = 𝟎.
Substituting:
𝒚 = 𝒎 × 𝟎 + 𝒄 = 𝒄 as expected.
• By the definition of gradient,? if we increase 𝒙 by 1, 𝒚
should increase by 𝒎:
𝒚 = 𝒎 𝒙 + 𝟏 + 𝒄 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒎 + 𝒄
which indeed has increased by 𝒎.
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
Determine the gradient and 𝑦-intercept of the line with equation
4𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 5 = 0
Make 𝑦 the subject so
3𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 5 we have the form
4 5 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
𝑦= 𝑥+ Put 𝑦 on the side it’s
3 3 positive.

Divide each term by 3;

4𝑥+5
don’t write 𝑦 =
4 ? 5 3
∴𝑚= , 𝑐= otherwise it’s not in
3 3 the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐

This is algebra, so use

improper fractions,
and not mixed
numbers or recurring
decimals.
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0
At GCSE, 𝒚 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒄 was the main form you would express a straight line
equation, sometimes known as the ‘slope-intercept form’.
But another common form is 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃𝒚 + 𝒄 = 𝟎, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are integers.
This is known as the ‘standard’ form.

1 2
Express 𝑦 = 𝑥 − in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are integers.
3 3

3𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2 We don’t want fractions, so multiply by an

appropriate number.
𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 2 = 0
?
Put everything on either side of equation.
− 𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 2 = 0 would also be OK.

We’ll see on the next slide WHY we might want to

put an equation in this form over 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐…
Just for your interest…
Why might we want to put a straight line
equation in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0?
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0
“Slope-Intercept Form” “Standard Form”

Usefulness
Coverage Symmetry This more ‘elegant’ form also
means it ties in with vectors
We can extend to 3D points to
get the equation of a plane:
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 doesn’t In general, the ‘linear 𝑎 𝑥
and matrices. In FM, you will
allow you to combination’ of two 𝑏 ⋅ 𝑦 +𝑑=0 (2)
learn about the ‘dot product’
represent vertical variables 𝑥 and 𝑦 is 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦, 𝑐 𝑧
of two vectors: Conveniently, in equation (1),
lines. Standard form i.e. “some amount of 𝑥 and
𝑎 𝑥
allows us to do this by some amount of 𝑦”. There is ⋅ 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 𝑎
𝑏 the vector is perpendicular
just making 𝑏 zero. a greater elegance and 𝑏
symmetry to this form over thus since 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, to the line. And in equation (2),
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 because 𝑥 and 𝑦 we can represent a straight 𝑎
𝑥+4=0

appear similarly within the line using: the vector 𝑏 is perpendicular

expression. 𝑎 𝑥 𝑐
⋅ 𝑦 +𝑐=0 (1) to the plane. Nice!
𝑏

2 𝑥
2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4 ⋅ 𝑦 =4 2
1 1
Test Your Understanding
2 3
Express 𝑦 = 𝑥 + in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are integers.
5 5

5𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3
?=0
2𝑥 − 5𝑦 + 3
Exercise 5A/5B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 90-91, 92-93
 Worked example Your turn
Calculate the gradient between Calculate the gradient between
the coordinates: the coordinates:
2, 1 and (5, 7) −4, 2 and (6, 8)
3
5

(−2, −1) and (5, 7)

 Worked example Your turn
Calculate the gradient between Calculate the gradient between
the coordinates: the coordinates:
2, 1 and (5, −7) −4, 2 and (−6, −8)
5

(2, −1) and (−5, −7)

 Worked example Your turn
Write the equation of the line in Write the equation of the line in
the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which
passes through the points (2, 3) passes through the points (3, 10)
and (5, 9) and (−5, 18)
𝑦 = −𝑥 − 7

Write the equation of the line in

the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which
passes through the points (2, 3)
and (5, −9)
 Worked example Your turn
Write the equation of the line in Write the equation of the line in
the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which
passes through the points (2, −3) passes through the points (3, −2)
and (7, −5) and (−7, 5)
3 11
𝑦=− 𝑥−
10 10
 Worked example Your turn
The gradient connecting the two The gradient connecting the two
points (2𝑎, 5) and (7𝑎, 8) is 6. points (3𝑎, 7) and (5𝑎, 12) is 6.
Solve for 𝑎 Solve for 𝑎
5
𝑎=
12
 Worked example Your turn
The gradient connecting the two The gradient connecting the two
points (2, −5) and (𝑎, 𝑏) is 4. Find points (−3, 4) and (𝑎, 𝑏) is 2. Find
an expression for 𝑏 in terms of 𝑎 an expression for 𝑏 in terms of 𝑎
𝑏 = 2𝑎 + 10
Equations using two points/point + gradient
Find the equation of the line that goes through 3,5 and has gradient 2.

How would you have done this at GCSE?

If gradient is 2, then equation of the line is of the form:

𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝒄
Since 𝟑, 𝟓 is on the line, it must satisfy this equation.
Therefore:
?
𝟓=𝟐 𝟑 +𝒄
𝒄 = −𝟏
∴ 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏
A new way…
𝑦
Suppose that 𝑥1, 𝑦1 is some fixed point
on the line that we specify (e.g. (3,5)).
𝑥, 𝑦 Suppose that (𝑥, 𝑦) represents a generic
point on the line, which is allowed to
𝑥1, 𝑦1 change as we consider different points on
this line.
Then:
𝑥
Fro Notes: Note that 𝑥1 and 𝑦1 are
constants while 𝑥 and 𝑦 are variables. The
𝑦 − 𝑦1?
𝑚=
latter are variables because as these ‘vary’, 𝑥 − 𝑥1
we get different points on the line. Thus:
 The equation of a line that has gradient
𝑚 and passes through a point 𝑥1, 𝑦1 is:
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥1

Let’s revisit:
Find the equation of the line that goes through 3,5 and has gradient 2.
No manipulation required! Just plug in
𝑦−5 = 2 𝑥−3
? numbers and we’re done.
Again, note that 𝑥 and 𝑦 are variables so
need to remain as such.
Quickfire Questions
In a nutshell: You can use this formula whenever you have (a) a gradient
and (b) any point on the line.

Gradient Point (Unsimplified) Equation

3 1,2 𝒚 − 𝟐 =?𝟑(𝒙 − 𝟏)
5 3,0 𝒚 = 𝟓?𝒙 − 𝟑
2 −3,4 𝒚 − 𝟒 =?𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟑)
1 1, −5 𝟏
𝒚 + 𝟓 =? 𝒙 − 𝟏
2 𝟐
9 −4, −4 𝒚 + 𝟒 =?𝟗 𝒙 + 𝟒

Important Fro Side Note: I’ve found that many students shun this formula and just use the
GCSE method. Please persist with it – it’ll be much easier when fractions are involved.
Further Mathematicians, don’t even think about using the GCSE method, because you’ll
encounter massive headaches when you consider algebraic points. Trust me on this one!
Using 2 points
Find the equation of the line that goes Test Your Understanding:
through 4,5 and 6,2 , giving your Find the equation of the line that
equation in the form goes through −1,9 and 4,5 , giving
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0. your equation in the form
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0.

We need to work out the gradient first

before we can use 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥1 : 4
𝑚 =−
5
3
𝑚=− Using −1,9 :
2
4
? have also used
Using 4,5 (we could
𝑦−9 = −
? 5
𝑥+1
6,2 ): 5𝑦 − 45 = −4 𝑥 + 1
3 5𝑦 − 45 = −4𝑥 − 4
𝑦−5 = − 𝑥−4 4𝑥 + 5𝑦 − 41 = 0
2
2𝑦 − 10 = −3 𝑥 − 4
2𝑦 − 10 = −3𝑥 + 12
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 22 = 0
Exercise 5C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 94-95
 Worked example Your turn
Determine the gradient and 𝑦-intercept Determine the gradient and 𝑦-intercept
of the line with equation 3𝑥 + 5𝑦 − 4 = of the line with equation 4𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 5 =
0 0 4
Gradient =
3
5
𝑦-intercept =
3
 Worked example Your turn
Express in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0: Express 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 3 in the form
𝑦 = 5𝑥 − 2 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0
4𝑥 − 𝑦 + 3 = 0

𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 5
 Worked example Your turn
2 3 1 2
Express 𝑦 = 𝑥 − in the form Express 𝑦 = 𝑥 − in the form
5 5 3 3
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are
integers. integers.
𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 2 = 0
Intersection of lines
The diagram shows two lines with
𝑦 equations 𝑦 = 3𝑥 and 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4,
which intersect at the point 𝑃.
𝑦 = 3𝑥
a) Determine the coordinates of 𝑃.
𝑃
We know from Chapter 4 we can
just solve two equations
simultaneously.
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4
𝒙 + 𝟐 𝟑𝒙 = 𝟒
𝟕𝒙 = 𝟒 ?
𝟒
𝒙=
𝟕
𝑥 𝟒 𝟏𝟐
𝑂 𝑄 𝒚=𝟑 =
𝟕 𝟕

b) The line 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 intersects

the 𝑥-axis at the point 𝑄. Determine
the coordinate of 𝑄.
When 𝒚 = 𝟎, 𝒙 = 𝟒
𝟏 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟒
Area = × 𝟒 × ?=
𝟐 𝟕 𝟕
Test Your Understanding
C1 Edexcel May 2013 Q6

?
Exercise 5D
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 96
 Worked example Your turn
Determine the point of intersection of the lines Determine the point of intersection of the lines
with equations 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 5 with equations 𝑦 = 3𝑥 and 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4
4 12
,
7 7
 Worked example Your turn
A straight line passes through (0, 4) and has A straight line passes through (0, 3) and
gradient −3. has gradient −4.
It intersects the line with equation It intersects the line with equation
2𝑥 − 7𝑦 − 6 = 0 at the point 𝑃. 7𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 2 = 0 at the point 𝑃.
Find the coordinates of 𝑃
Find the coordinates of 𝑃
16 29
,
31 31
 Worked example Your turn
𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 5 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 4
Gradient: Gradient: 3

𝑦-intercept: 𝑦-intercept: −4

𝑥-intercept: 𝑥-intercept: 4
3

Sketch: Sketch:

Graph used with permission from DESMOS: https://www.desmos.com/

 Worked example Your turn
𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 6 𝑦 = −3𝑥 + 6
Gradient: Gradient: −3

𝑦-intercept: 𝑦-intercept: 6

𝑥-intercept: 𝑥-intercept: 2

Sketch: Sketch:

Graph used with permission from DESMOS: https://www.desmos.com/

 Worked example Your turn
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6
Gradient: Gradient: 3
−
2

𝑦-intercept: 𝑦-intercept: 3

𝑥-intercept: 𝑥-intercept: 2

Sketch: Sketch:

Graph used with permission from DESMOS: https://www.desmos.com/

 Worked example Your turn
Gradient: 𝑚 = Gradient: 𝑚 = 1

𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = 𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = −1

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1
 Worked example Your turn
Gradient: 𝑚 = Gradient: 𝑚 = −2

𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = 𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = 2

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 1
 Worked example Your turn
Gradient: 𝑚 = Gradient: 𝑚 = 3
4

𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = 𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = 2
3
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = 4 𝑥 + 2
 Worked example Your turn
Gradient: 𝑚 = Gradient: 𝑚 = − 3
4

𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = 𝑦-intercept: 𝑐 = 2
3
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 → 𝑦 = − 4 𝑥 + 2
 Worked example Your turn
Find where the line intercepts the Find where the line intercepts the
axes: axes:
Line 𝑥-intercept 𝑦-intercept Line 𝑥-intercept 𝑦-intercept

𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 5 5 5
−
4
𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2 𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 4 4 4
−
5
4
𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 2 𝑦 = 5𝑥 − 4 −4
5

𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 3 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 5 5
−5
4
𝑦 = 3 − 2𝑥 𝑦 = 5 − 4𝑥 5
5
4
𝑦 = 2 − 3𝑥 𝑦 = 4 − 5𝑥 4 4
5
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 6 4𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 20 5 4

3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 5𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 20 4 5

𝑐 𝑐
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑐
𝑎 𝑏
 Worked example Your turn
Find the equation of the line, Find the equation of the line,
given a point and the gradient: given a point and the gradient:

(6, 22) Gradient 3 (−2, 5) Gradient 4

𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 13

(−6, 22) Gradient 3

 Worked example Your turn
Write the equation of the line in Write the equation of the line in
the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which
passes through the points (2, 3) passes through the points (3, 10)
and (5, −9) and (−5, 18)
𝑦 = −𝑥 − 7
 Worked example Your turn
Write the equation of the line in Write the equation of the line in
the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 which
passes through the points (2, −3) passes through the points (3, −2)
and (7, −5) and (−7, 5)
3 11
𝑦=− 𝑥−
10 10
 Worked example Your turn
The lines 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 7 and 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 21 = 0 The lines 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 7 and 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 21 = 0
intersect at the point 𝐴. intersect at the point 𝐴.
The point 𝐵 has coordinates (2, −8). The point 𝐵 has coordinates (−2, 8).
Find the equation of the line that passes through Find the equation of the line that passes through
the points 𝐴 and 𝐵. the points 𝐴 and 𝐵.
Write your answer in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, Write your answer in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0,
where 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are integers. where 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are integers.
3𝑥 + 5𝑦 − 34 = 0
 y

1 1
𝑚= ? 3 𝑚 = −?
2 3
2
𝒃

1
𝒂
𝑚=3?
x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝒂
-1

𝑚 = −2?
-2
𝒃
Find the gradients of
-3
Using the changes above, we can see the gradient each pair of
𝒃
of one line is 𝒎 = 𝒂 and the other 𝒎 = − 𝒃. One
𝒂 perpendicular lines.
is the ‘negative reciprocal’ of the other. -4 What do you notice?
Perpendicular Lines
 The gradients of parallel lines are equal.
If two lines are perpendicular, then the gradient of one is the negative
reciprocal of the other.
1
𝑚1 = −
𝑚2
To show that two lines are perpendicular:
𝑚1 𝑚2 = −1

Gradient Gradient of Perpendicular Line

2 1
−?
2
−3 1
?3
1 -4
4
?
5 1
−?
5
2
−
7
?72
7 5
−?
5 7
Example Problems
1 A line is goes through the point (9,10) and is perpendicular to another line with
equation 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2. What is the equation of the line?
𝟏
𝒚 − 𝟏𝟎 = −? 𝒙 − 𝟗
𝟑

2 A line 𝐿1 goes through the points 𝐴 1,3 and 𝐵 3, −1 . A second line 𝐿2 is

perpendicular to 𝐿1 and passes through point B. Where does 𝐿2 cross the x-axis?
𝟓, 𝟎
?
3 Are the following lines parallel, perpendicular, or neither?
1
𝑦= 𝑥
2
2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 4 = 0
𝟏 𝟏
Neither. Gradients are 𝟐 and 𝟐. But 𝟐 ×?𝟐 = 𝟏, not -1, so not perpendicular.
Test Your Understanding

1 A line goes through the point 2 Determine the point 𝐴.

(4,7) and is perpendicular to 𝑦
another line with equation
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2. What is the
equation of the line? Put your
answer in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝐴
𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are
integers.
𝟏
𝒚 = − 𝒙+𝟗
𝟐
𝟐𝒚 = −𝒙? + 𝟏𝟖
𝒙 + 𝟐𝒚 − 𝟏𝟖 = 𝟎
𝑥
Equation of other line: 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙
𝟏
𝟐𝒙 = − 𝒙 + 𝟒
𝟐
𝟒𝒙 = −𝒙 + 𝟖
? 𝟖
𝟓𝒙 = 𝟖 → 𝒙 =
𝟓
𝟖 𝟏𝟔
𝒚=𝟐× =
𝟓 𝟓
 Exercise 5E/5F
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 96

Extension Problems 2 [MAT 2014 1D] The reflection of the point 1,0 in
1 [MAT 2004 1D] the line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 has coordinates: (in terms of 𝑚)
What is the reflection of the point Using a similar method:
3,4 in the line 𝟏 −?𝒎𝟐 𝟐𝒎
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 50? ,
𝟑
𝟏 + 𝒎𝟐 𝟏 + 𝒎𝟐
Gradient of 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒𝒚 = 𝟓𝟎 is − .
𝟒
∴ Equation of line passing through
(𝟑, 𝟒) perpendicular to ths line:
3 [STEP I 2004 Q6] The three points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 have coordinates
𝟒 𝑝1 , 𝑞1 , 𝑝2 ,𝑞2 and 𝑝3 , 𝑞3 , respectively. Find the point
𝒚−𝟒 = 𝒙−𝟑 of intersection of the line joining 𝐴 to the midpoint of 𝐵𝐶,
𝟑
Find intersection of two lines to get and the line joining 𝐵 to the midpoint of 𝐴𝐶. Verify that
closest point of 𝟑, 𝟒 to original line: this point lies on the line joining 𝐶 to the midpoint of 𝐴𝐵.
?
𝟔, 𝟖 The point 𝐻 has coordinates (𝑝1 + 𝑝2 + 𝑝3 , 𝑞1 + 𝑞2 +
Thus reflected point is 𝟗, 𝟏𝟐 𝑞3 ). Show that if the line 𝐴𝐻 intersects the line 𝐵𝐶 at
right angles, then 𝑝22 + 𝑞22 = 𝑝32 + 𝑞32, and write down a
6,8
similar result if the line 𝐵𝐻 intersects the line 𝐴𝐶 at right
angles.
3,4 Deduce that if 𝐴𝐻 is perpendicular to 𝐵𝐶 and also 𝐵𝐻 is
perpendicular to 𝐴𝐶, then 𝐶𝐻 is perpendicular to 𝐴𝐵.
 Worked example Your turn
Determine whether the pairs of lines are parallel, Determine whether the pairs of lines are parallel,
perpendicular or neither: perpendicular or neither:
5𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 3 = 0 3𝑥 − 𝑦 − 2 = 0
5 𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 6 = 0
𝑦= 𝑥
2
Perpendicular

1
5𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 21 = 0 𝑦= 𝑥
2
3𝑥 − 5𝑦 + 2 = 0 2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 4 = 0

Neither parallel nor perpendicular

 Worked example Your turn
The points A, B and C have coordinates (0, 12), The points A, B and C have coordinates (0, 6),
(−3, 0) and (0, 𝑐) respectively. (−2, 0) and (0, 𝑐) respectively.
The line through points 𝐴 and 𝐵 is perpendicular to The line through points 𝐴 and 𝐵 is perpendicular to
the line through points 𝐵 and 𝐶. the line through points 𝐵 and 𝐶.
Find the value of 𝑐 Find the value of 𝑐
2
𝑥=−
3
 Worked example Your turn
Find the gradient of the Find the general equation of the
perpendicular line to: perpendicular line to:
1
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 𝑦 = 4𝑥 𝑦=− 𝑥+𝑐
4

𝑦 = 2 − 3𝑥 1
𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 4 𝑦= 𝑥+𝑐
2
2
𝑦= 𝑥+1
3
3 4
𝑦= 𝑥−5 𝑦=− 𝑥+𝑐
4 3
11
𝑦=8− 𝑥
5

11 3
𝑦=7− 𝑥 𝑦= 𝑥+𝑐
3 11
 Worked example Your turn
Find the equation of the line Find the equation of the line
parallel to 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 5 that passes parallel to 𝑦 = − 1 𝑥 − 3 that
2
through (−2, 5) passes through (−2, 5)
1
𝑦 =− 𝑥+4
2

Find the equation of the line

1
parallel to 𝑦 = − 𝑥 − 4 that
3
passes through (−2, 5)
 Worked example Your turn
Find the equation of the line Find the equation of the line
perpendicular to 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 4 that perpendicular to 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2 that
passes through (−2, 5) passes through (9, −7)
1
𝑦 =− 𝑥−4
3

Find the equation of the line

perpendicular to 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 5 that
passes through (−2, 5)
 Worked example Your turn
Find the equation of the line Find the equation of the line
1 4
perpendicular to 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 − 4 that perpendicular to 𝑦 = − 𝑥 + 3
3
passes through (−2, 5) that passes through (−12, −5)
3
𝑦= 𝑥+4
4

Find the equation of the line

2
perpendicular to 𝑦 = − 3 𝑥 + 5
that passes through (−2, 5)
 Worked example Your turn
Find the equation of the line Find the equation of the line
perpendicular to 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 5 perpendicular to 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 5
which passes through the point which passes through the point
(3, 7) (4, 7)
3
𝑦= 𝑥+1
2

Find the equation of the line

perpendicular to 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 5
which passes through the point
(3, 7)
 Worked example Your turn
Write down an equation of a line Write down an equation of a line
parallel to 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 4 which parallel to 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 5 which
passes through the origin. passes through the origin.
𝑦 = −2𝑥

Write down an equation of a line

parallel to 𝑦 = 3 − 4𝑥 which
passes through the origin.
 Worked example Your turn
Determine the coordinates of 𝐴 Determine the coordinates of 𝐴

8 16
,
5 5
Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics
Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS

Gradients of perpendicular lines

 Gradients of perpendicular lines

Points P and Q have coordinates (–2, 6) and (6, 2)

respectively. The point R has coordinates (−1, p), where
p is a positive constant.
Given that angle QRP = 90°, find the value of p.

(4 marks)

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You have one minute to collaborate.
 Gradients of perpendicular lines

To answer a question of this type I need to:

1 find the gradient of the line passing through P and Q

2 find an equation of the line that is perpendicular

to PQ
3 use the coordinates of R and the equation
of the line to find the value of p.
 Gradients of perpendicular lines

Points P and Q have coordinates (–2, 6) and (6, 2) respectively.

The point R has coordinates (−1, p), where p is a positive constant.
Given that angle QRP = 90°, find the value of p.

Find the gradient of the line l1 passing through P and Q.

2−6 −4 y − yP
m1 = = =−
1 m1 = Q
6 − ( −2) 8 2 x Q − xP (1)

1
So line l1 has gradient − .
2

Practice question
1
 Gradients of perpendicular lines

Line PQ has gradient − 1.

2

Find the gradient of the perpendicular line l2. QRP = 90°

m2 = 2 Use m1m2 = −1 (1)

Find the equation of the line l2 with gradient m2 that passes through P(−2, 6).

y − 6 = 2 ( x − ( −2)) y − yP = m2 (x − xP ) (1)

y = 2 x + 10 Simplify.
p = 2 ( −1) + 10 Substitute for R(-1, p).
So p=8 Check that p is positive. (1)
Practice question
2
 Practice question 1

Work out the gradient of the line joining each of these pairs of points:
a (2, 4) and (3, −4)
−8

b (8, 9) and (5, 1)

8
3

 − 3 , 7  and (3, 7)
c  
 4 8
49
30 Return to main
question
 Practice question 2

a The straight line l passes through (0, 4) and has gradient −3.
It intersects the line with equation 4y − 15x + 11 = 0 at the point P.
Find the coordinates of P.
(1, 1)

b The vertices of a quadrilateral ABCD have coordinates

A(1, 6), B(3.5, 2), C(7.5, 4.5) and D(5, 8.5).
Show that the quadrilateral is a rectangle.

Hint: The sides of a rectangle are perpendicular.

Return to main
question
Distances between points
Recall: Δ (said ‘delta’) means “change in”.
How could we find the
(5,9) distance between these two
points?
?5 ?
Hint: Pythagoras

Δ𝑦 = 3 ? Form a right-angled triangle

using the change in 𝑥 and
? use
change in 𝑦, then
Pythagoras.
(1,6) Δ𝑥 = 4 ?

 Distance between two points:

Δ𝑥 2 + Δ𝑦 2
Examples
Distance between:

(3,4) and 5,7 22 + 32?= 13

(5,1) and 6, −3 12 + 42?= 17
Fro Note: Unlike with gradient, we
(0, −2) and −1,3 12 + 52?= 26 don’t care if the difference is
positive or negative (it’s being
squared to make it positive
anyway!)

Quickfire Questions:

Distance between:

(1,10) and 4,14 32 + 42?= 5

(3, −1) and 0,1 32 + 22?= 13
(−4, −2) and −12,4 82 + 62?= 10
Area of Shapes
The diagram shows two lines with
𝑦 equations 𝑦 = 3𝑥 and 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4,
which intersect at the point 𝑃.
𝑦 = 3𝑥
a) Determine the coordinates of 𝑃.

𝑃 (We did this in a previous lesson)

Just solve two equations
simultaneously.
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 𝒙 + 𝟐 𝟑𝒙 = 𝟒
𝟕𝒙 = 𝟒
𝟒
𝒙=
𝟕
𝑥 𝟒 𝟏𝟐
𝑂 𝑄 𝒚=𝟑 =
𝟕 𝟕

b) The line 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4 intersects

the 𝑥-axis at the point 𝑄. Determine
the area of the triangle 𝑂𝑃𝑄.
When 𝒚 = 𝟎, 𝒙 = 𝟒
Area = × 𝟒 × ?=
𝟏 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟒
𝟐 𝟕 𝟕
Further Example
a Determine the length of 𝑃𝑄.
𝑦
𝒙 = 𝟖− 𝒚
2𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4 𝟐𝒚 = 𝟖 − 𝒚 + 𝟒
𝟑𝒚 = 𝟏𝟐
𝑅
𝒚=𝟒 → 𝒙=𝟒
𝑷(𝟒, 𝟒)
𝑃
When 𝒙 = 𝟎 ?
𝑄 𝟐𝒚 = 𝟒
𝑥+𝑦=8 𝒚=𝟐
𝑸(𝟎, 𝟐)
𝑥 Distance 𝑷𝑸:
𝑂
𝟒𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟐𝟎

Fro Tip: When finding areas of b Determine the area 𝑃𝑄𝑅.

triangles in exam questions, one 𝑹 𝟎, 𝟖
line is often vertical or horizontal.
Use 𝑹𝑸 as the base:
𝟏 ?
You should generally choose this
to be the ‘base’ of your triangle. ∴ 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 = × 𝟔 × 𝟒 = 𝟏𝟐
𝟐
Test Your Understanding
𝑦
a) Determine the coordinate of 𝑃.
2𝑦 + 𝑥 = 12 𝑦 =𝑥−3 𝟐 𝒙 − 𝟑 + 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟐
𝑄
𝒙=𝟔 → ? 𝒚=𝟑
𝑃 b) Determine the area of 𝑃𝑄𝑅.
𝑹 𝟎, −𝟑
𝑸 𝟎, 𝟔
𝟏?
𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 = × 𝟗 × 𝟔 = 𝟐𝟕
𝟐

c) Determine the length 𝑃𝑄.

𝑂 𝑥 𝑷 𝟔, 𝟑 , 𝑸 𝟎, 𝟔
𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕 = 𝟔𝟐?+ 𝟑𝟐 = 𝟒𝟓
𝑅
 Exercise 5G
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 102-103

Extension Problems
1 [MAT 2001 1C]
The shortest distance from the origin to the line 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 25 is what?

𝟑
Gradient of 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒𝒚 = 𝟐𝟓 is − 𝟒. Therefore gradient of line going
𝟒
through origin and closest point is (see diagram). This line
𝟑
𝟒
therefore has equation 𝒚 = 𝒙
𝟑
Solving two equations simultaneously, we get point of intersection
𝑨(𝟑, 𝟒).
Therefore distance 𝑶𝑨 = 𝟑𝟐 + ? 𝟒𝟐 = 𝟓.

0,0
 Worked example Your turn
Find the distance between: Find the distance between:
(2, 4) and (8, 8) (2, −4) and (11, 8)
15

(−2, 4) and (−9, 9)

 Worked example Your turn
In your head, find the distance between: In your head, find the distance between:
(8,2) and 5,6 (1,10) and 4,14
5

(−1, −7) and 11,2 (−4, −2) and −12,4

10

(−23,0) and 1,7 (0, −9) and 5,3

13
 Worked example Your turn
The straight line 𝑙1 with equation 2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 0 and The straight line 𝑙1 with equation 4𝑥 − 𝑦 = 0 and
7 the straight line 𝑙2 with equation 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 21 = 0
the straight line 𝑙2 with equation 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 − = 0
2
intersect at point 𝐴.
intersect at point 𝐴.
O is the origin. 𝐵 is the point where 𝑙2 meets the 𝑥- O is the origin. 𝐵 is the point where 𝑙2 meets the 𝑥-
axis.
axis.
Work out the area of triangle 𝐴𝑂𝐵 Work out the area of triangle 𝐴𝑂𝐵
63
2
 Worked example Your turn
Determine: Determine:
a) The length of 𝑃𝑄 a) The length of 𝑃𝑄
b) The area of triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 b) The area of triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅

a) 2 5
b) 12
 Worked example Your turn
Determine: Determine:
a) The length of 𝑃𝑄 a) The length of 𝑃𝑄
b) The area of triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 b) The area of triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅

a) 3 5
b) 27
Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics
Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS

Equation of a straight line

 Equation of a straight line

The points P(0, 1) and Q(2, 6) lie on the line l1, as shown in
the diagram. The line l2 is perpendicular to l1, passes
through Q and crosses the x-axis at the point R.
a Find an equation for l2, giving your
answer in the form ax + by = 0. (5)
b Work out the exact coordinates of R. (2)

The triangle PQR is formed by joining the points P and R.

c Calculate the exact area of the triangle PQR.
(5)
What do you need to do to answer this question?

You have one minute to collaborate. 45

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0
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25
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55
 Equation of a straight line

To answer a question of this type I need to:

1 find the gradient of the line l1

2 find the equation of the perpendicular line l2

3 find the base and height of triangle PQR.

 Equation of a straight line

a Find an equation for l2, giving your answer in the form ax + by = 0.

Find the gradient of the line l1.

6 −1 5 yQ − yP
m1 = = m1 = (1)
2−0 2 x Q − xP

Find the gradient of the perpendicular line.

2
m2 = − Use m1m2 = −1 (1)
5
 Equation of a straight line

Q is a common point to lines l1 and l2.

Find the equation of l2 with gradient m2 that passes through Q(2, 6).

2
y − 6 = − ( x − 2) y − yQ = m2 (x − x Q ) (1)
5
5 y − 30 = −2 x + 4 Simplify. (1)

So the equation of line l2 is 2 x + 5 y − 34 = 0. (1)

Check your answer is in the form ax + by + c = 0.

 Equation of a straight line

b Work out the exact coordinates of R.

2 x + 5 y − 34 = 0

R is on the x-axis so substitute y = 0.

2 x + 5(0) − 34 = 0

2 x = 34

x = 17 (1)

So R has coordinates (17, 0). (1)

 Equation of a straight line

The triangle PQR is formed by joining the points P and R.

c Calculate the exact area of the triangle PQR.
1
Area =  PQ  QR PQ and QR are perpendicular.
2
PQ = (2 − 0)2 + (6 − 1)2 Use Pythagoras’ theorem to find
the lengths of PQ and QR.
= 29 (1)

QR = (2 − 17)2 + (6 − 0)2 Check for correct substitution.

= 261 (1)

= 3 29 Simplify the surd. (1)

 Equation of a straight line

PQ = 29 and QR = 3 29

1 1
Exact area of triangle PQR =  29  3 29 Area =  base  height (1)
2 2
1
=  29  3
2
87
= Leave your answer as a (1)
2 fraction.

Practice question
 Practice question

The points P(0, 3) and Q(1, 0) lie on the

line l1, as shown in the diagram.
The line l2 is perpendicular to l1, passes
through P and crosses the x-axis at the
point R.

Calculate the exact area of the triangle PQR.

Area of the triangle PQR = 15

Return to main
question
Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics
Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS

Coordinates and proof

 Coordinates and proof
The line l1 has equation 4 − y = x.
The line l2 passes through the point C(4, 2) and is perpendicular to l1.
a Find an equation for l2. (5)
The lines l1 and l2 intersect at D.
b Find the coordinates of D. (3)

The line l1 crosses the x-axis at E and the line l2 crosses the x-axis at F.
c Prove that triangle DEF is isosceles. (6)
d Calculate the exact area of the triangle DEF. (3)

What do you need to do to answer this question?

45
50
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0
5
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55
You have one minute to collaborate.
 Coordinates and proof

To answer a question of this type I need to

1 find the equation of a perpendicular line

2 find the coordinates of the point where two

lines intersect
3 use the properties of an isosceles triangle
and find its area.
 Coordinates and proof

The line l1 has equation 4 − y = x.

The line l2 passes through the point C(4, 2) and is perpendicular to l1.
a Find an equation for l2.
Find the gradient of the line l1.
y = −x + 4 Rearrange 4 - y = x in (1)
the form y = mx + c
m1 = −1 (1)
So gradient of the perpendicular line l2 is 1. Use m1m 2 =-1 (1)
Find the equation of the line with gradient 1 that passes through C(4, 2).
y − 2 = 1( x − 4) Use y − yC = m(x - xC ) (1)

So an equation for the line l2 is y = x − 2. (1)

 Coordinates and proof

The lines l1 and l2 intersect at D.

b Find the coordinates of D.

At point D, x−2 = 4− x Substitute y = x - 2 into the equation (1)

for l1 to find the point of intersection.
x=3 (1)

Now find the y-coordinate.

y =1 Substitute x = 3 into y = 4 - x

So D has coordinates (3, 1). (1)

 Coordinates and proof

The line l1 crosses the x-axis at E and the line l2 crosses the x-axis at F.
c Prove that triangle DEF is isosceles.

Find the coordinates of points E and F. At E and F, y = 0

For E, use the equation for l1. For F, use the equation for l2.

y = 4− x y = x−2
0 = 4− x 0= x−2
x=4 (1) x=2 (1)

So E is at (4, 0). (1) So F is at (2, 0). (1)

State the coordinates of E and F.

 Coordinates and proof

Find the length of each side of the triangle DEF.

D(3, 1), E(4, 0) and F(2, 0)

DE = (3 − 4)2 + (1 − 0)2 Use Pythagoras’ theorem.

= 2

DF = (3 − 2)2 + (1 − 0)2
= 2

EF = (4 − 2)2 + (0 − 0)2
=2 (1)

An isosceles triangle has two sides of equal length.

Here DE = DF, so triangle DEF is isosceles. (1)
 Coordinates and proof

d Calculate the exact area of the triangle DEF.

Draw a labelled diagram. Find the perpendicular height.

D is the point (3, 1) so the perpendicular height

h=1 (1)

Find the area of triangle DEF.

1
Area =  2 1 = 1 (1)
2

Exact area of triangle DEF = 1 (1)

What’s the point of straight line equations?
We saw in Chapter 2 that lots of things in real life have a ‘quadratic’ relationship, e.g.
vertical height with time. Lots of real life variables have a ‘linear’ relationship, i.e.
there is a fixed increase/decrease in one variable each time the other variable goes
up by 1 unit.

Examples The relationship

between Celsius and
Car sales made and take
Fahrenheit.
home pay.

Temperature and
altitude (in a particular
location) (And a pure maths one:)
The 𝑛th term of an
arithmetic series.

3, 5, 8, 11, 14, …
Modelling
𝑦
100 A mathematical model is
an attempt to model a
A Level Maths Mark

80 real-life situation based on

mathematical concepts.
60
40 For this example, our model might
be a linear model with equation
20 𝒚 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒄 where 𝑥 is a
𝑥 student’s GCSE mark and 𝑦 is the
20 40 60 80 100 predicted A Level mark.
GCSE Maths mark

Such a linear model can be drawn as a line But if we choose a well-known model such as a
of best fit. linear one, then we can use established
The data obviously doesn’t fit this line mathematical theory in useful ways:
exactly. This chosen model may only • We need to choose the most appropriate
partially fit the data (and the further the ‘parameters’ 𝑚 and 𝑐 so the model best
points are away from the line, the less matches the data. You will learn in S1 there
suitable this model is). are existing techniques to do this.
We might decide another model, e.g. • We can then predict a student’s A Level mark
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, is more appropriate. based on their maths mark.
Example
𝑦
100
Temperature °𝐹

80
60
40
20

𝑥
50 100 150 200 250
Altitude (m)

The temperature 𝑦 at different points on a mountain is recorded at different altitudes 𝑥.

Suppose we were to use a linear model 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐.

a Determine 𝑚 and 𝑐 (you can assume the line goes through 0,70 and 250,20 .
−𝟓𝟎
𝟐𝟓𝟎
𝒎=
= −𝟎. 𝟐 ?
𝒄 = 𝟕𝟎
b Interpret the meaning of 𝑚 and 𝑐 in this context.
The temperature at sea level is 𝟕𝟎°𝑭. The temperature goes down 𝟎. 𝟐°𝑭 for each extra
metre in altitude. ?
c Predict at what altitude the temperature reaches 0°𝐹.
𝟎 = −𝟎. 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟕𝟎 → 𝒙 = 𝟑𝟓𝟎°𝑪?
Evaluating if a linear model is most suitable
Choosing a model for our data usually involves making simplifying
assumptions. For a linear model we are assuming:

The 𝑦 value goes up the same amount for each unit increase in 𝑥.

The current population of Bickerstonia is 26000. This year (2017) the population
increased by 150. Matt decides to model the population 𝑃 based on the years 𝑡
after 2017 by the linear model:
𝑃 = 𝑚𝑡 + 𝑐

Why might this not be a suitable model?

The population is unlikely to increase by the same amount each year.

i.e. the assumption

of a linear model is
?
Fro Note: Population tends to grow/decline by a percentage each
year. Therefore a better model would be an exponential function violated.
𝑃 = 𝑎𝑏𝑡 where 𝑎, 𝑏 are constants. The 𝑎 would be the initial
population and the 𝑏 the factor increase each year, e.g. 𝑏 = 1.1
would be a 10% annual growth.
Exercise 5H
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 106-108
 Worked example Your turn
The A Level Maths mark, 𝑦 %, and GCSE Maths mark, 𝑥 %, The temperature 𝑦 at different points on a mountain is
is recorded for several students. recorded at different altitudes 𝑥.
Assume the line goes through (0, 40) and (60, 80). Assume the line goes through (0, 70) and (250, 20).
a) Write a linear model a) Write a linear model
b) Interpret the gradient and 𝑦-intercept in this context b) Interpret the gradient and 𝑦-intercept in this context
c) Predict the A Level Maths mark of a student who got c) Predict at what altitude the temperature reaches 0°𝐹
100% for their GCSE Maths mark

a) 𝑦 = 0.2𝑥 + 70
b) The temperature at sea level is 70°𝐹. The
temperature decreases by 0.2°𝐹 for each extra
metre in altitude.
c) 350 𝑚
 Worked example Your turn
In 2010 the population of rabbits in an area was In 2000 there were 18500 people in a village.
200. Locals projected that the number of rabbits Planners projected that the number of people
would increase by 4 per year. living in the village would increase by 350 per year.
a) Write a linear model for the population, 𝑝, of a) Write a linear model for the population, 𝑝, of
rabbits 𝑡 years after 2010 the village 𝑡 years after 2000
b) Write down a reason why this might not be a b) Write down a reason why this might not be a
realistic model. realistic model.

a) 𝑝 = 350𝑡 + 18500
b) The population is unlikely to increase by the
same amount each year. An exponential model
would be more suitable