DfE statement A10 · Algebra

Gradients and intercepts of linear functions

Both tiersNon-calculator

Gradients and intercepts of linear functions is content statement A10 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the algebra area. It is on both tiers, and it is examined without a calculator. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 3 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.

What the specification says

The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Identify and interpret gradients and intercepts of linear functions graphically and algebraically." (statement A10). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
— Department for Education, Mathematics: GCSE subject content and assessment objectives, statement A10

Tier

Both tiers. This statement is Foundation content, which means Higher students are examined on it too — Higher is Foundation plus more, never instead of it.

Calculator

This is non-calculator territory. Questions on it belong naturally on Paper 1, where written method is all you have — so practise it that way rather than with a calculator to hand.

Common mistakes

Counting squares for the gradient without checking the scale on each axis.
Losing the minus sign on a gradient that slopes downwards from left to right.
Rearranging 2y = 4x + 6 to y = 2x + 6 by halving only the x term.

Sample questions (10 of 30)

A10 · Gradients and intercepts of linear functionsQuestion 1 of 10 · 0 correct

Practice mode· no pressure · hints available

Algebra

A10

Intermediate

A candle is 30 cm tall when lit and burns at a constant rate. After burning for 5 minutes, its height is 20 cm. The height h cm after t minutes is given by h = 30 − mt. Work out the value of m.

💡 Hints:

Foundation worksheet Higher worksheet Foundation algebra practice Higher algebra practice

Nearby statements

A1Algebraic notation A2Substitution into formulae A3Expressions, equations, formulae, identities and inequalities

Questions people ask

Is gradients and intercepts of linear functions on Foundation or Higher?

Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.

Can I use a calculator for gradients and intercepts of linear functions?

Not on Paper 1, which is where this normally appears. Paper 1 is non-calculator for both tiers and carries the same 80 marks as each of the other two papers.

What is the single most common mistake here?

Counting squares for the gradient without checking the scale on each axis.

Are these past paper questions?

No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.

Back to Algebra at Foundation or at Higher.