BECE Mathematics 2011 Paper

Concept:The gradient of a straight line measures its steepness.It is the ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal change between two points.Explanation:For points $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$, the gradient is $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$.Take $A(3,2)$ as $(x_1, y_1)$ and $B(4,8)$ as $(x_2, y_2)$.This gives $x_1 = 3$, $y_1 = 2$, $x_2 = 4$, and $y_2 = 8$.Substitute into the formula: $m = \frac{8 - 2}{4 - 3}$.Simplify the numerator and denominator: $m = \frac{6}{1} = 6$.Since the gradient is positive, the line rises as it moves from left to right.Answer:D. 6