Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 Straight Line Graphs: Exam Questions & Answers

Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 Straight Line Graphs: Exam Questions and Answers

Straight Line Graphs questions with full solutions for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1), Higher tier. Read the 5 worked examples first, then cover each solution and redo it yourself.

5 worked examples

Higher tier · calculator allowed

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1 of 5

Question 1 of 5
Question 2 of 5
Question 3 of 5
Question 4 of 5
Question 5 of 5

Start with one question on gradient of a line. Stuck? Take a hint. No sign-in needed.

Find the gradient of the line through

(0, - 3)

and

(6, 1)

Choose your answer · keys 1–4

- \frac{2}{3}

- \frac{1}{3}

1.5

\frac{2}{3}

What this topic covers

Coordinates & straight-line basics: Plotting points and finding the gradient and equation of a straight line.
Coordinates: Reading and plotting (x, y) points.
Linear Graphs 1: Plotting y = mx + c from a table.
Linear Graphs 2: Finding the equation of a line from two points.
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines: m₁m₂ = −1 rule and parallel gradients.

Straight Line Graphs worked examples

Worked example 1: Line through two points

Find the equation of the line through $(1, 3)$ and $(5, 11)$ .

Solution

Gradient $= \frac{11 - 3}{5 - 1} = \frac{8}{4} = 2$ .
Use $y = 2 x + c$ with $(1, 3)$ : $3 = 2 + c$ , so $c = 1$ .
Equation: $y = 2 x + 1$ .

4 steps · 1 to fill in

Tip: Check with the other point: 2 × 5 + 1 = 11.

Worked example 2: Midpoint

Find the midpoint of $(- 3, 4)$ and $(7, - 2)$ .

Solution

Average the x-coordinates: $(- 3 + 7) \div 2 = 2$ .
Average the y-coordinates: $(4 + (- 2)) \div 2 = 1$ .

3 steps

Tip: The midpoint is the mean of the coordinates.

Worked example 3: Table of values for a line

Find the points on $y = 2 x - 3$ for $x = 0, 1, 2$ .

Solution

$x = 0$ : $y = - 3$ .
$x = 1$ : $y = - 1$ .
$x = 2$ : $y = 1$ .

4 steps · 1 to fill in

Tip: Plot at least three points; a third point checks the other two.

Worked example 4: Gradient and intercept

Find the gradient and y-intercept of $3 y - 6 x = 9$ .

Solution

Rearrange to $y = m x + c$ : $3 y = 6 x + 9$ .
$y = 2 x + 3$ : gradient 2, y-intercept 3.

3 steps

Tip: Always make y the subject first.

Worked example 5: Perpendicular line

Find the equation of the line perpendicular to $y = - 2 x + 5$ through $(4, 1)$ .

Solution

Perpendicular gradient: $- 1 \div - 2 = \frac{1}{2}$ .
$1 = \frac{1}{2} \times 4 + c$ , so $c = - 1$ .
$y = \frac{1}{2} x - 1$ .

4 steps · 1 to fill in

Tip: Perpendicular gradients multiply to −1.

Every question and worked example here is original, written for IGCSE Math Revision rather than copied from Pearson papers, and each answer was re-solved independently before publishing.

Questions students ask

Which Edexcel IGCSE Maths papers test straight line graphs?

Either Higher tier paper, 1H or 2H, can test straight line graphs: both cover the whole Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) specification and both allow a calculator. Show your method, because most marks are for working.

Where can I practise more straight line graphs questions?

In the IGCSE student hub: Unit 4 (Graphs & Functions) has more exam-style questions on this topic, each with a mark scheme. Practice starts with a 7-day free trial; the worked examples and questions on this page are free.

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Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 Straight Line Graphs: Exam Questions and Answers

Try it first

What this topic covers

Straight Line Graphs worked examples

Worked example 1: Line through two points

Solution

Worked example 2: Midpoint

Solution

Worked example 3: Table of values for a line

Solution

Worked example 4: Gradient and intercept

Solution

Worked example 5: Perpendicular line

Solution

Revise straight line graphs for the exam

Questions students ask

Practise straight line graphs with your progress saved

More Unit 4 topics: Graphs & Functions