Year 8 Term 1 Week 8 - Graphs, Data and Probability
- Sallyann Clark
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Week 2 – Equations of Straight Lines
Introduction
This week, we explore gradients, intercepts, and the famous equation y=mx+c. You’ll plot graphs with positive and negative gradients and link them to sequences.
What I should already know
How to plot straight line graphs from equations by substituting values.
How to draw horizontal and vertical lines.
How to plot coordinates in all four quadrants.
You completed all this last week.
Real-world application – Why it matters
Straight line graphs are essential in science and economics, showing relationships like speed vs time or cost vs items. Understanding gradients and intercepts lets us interpret real data and predict outcomes.
Day 1 – Gradient and Intercept
What am I Learning Today?
I will be learning to recognise and interpret gradient (m) and intercept (c) in equations of the form y=mx+c.
Revision Reminder
Gradient is “steepness.” Intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis.
Write both of these terms and their definitions into your journal.
Game
Go to BBC's Divided Island, select Quick Mode, Factors and Fractions and choose a game you have not already completed.
Learn
Watch Fuseschool - Finding the gradient of a straight line.
Watch Fuseschool - Equation of a Straight Line y=mx+c.
Task
In your journal:
Write the equation for a straight line.
Gradient and intercept with their definitions.
Conclusion
You can now read gradient and intercept directly from equations in the form y=mx+c.
Day 2 – Plot Straight Lines and Determine Gradients and Intercepts
What am I learning Today?
I will be learning to plot straight lines and determine their gradients and intercepts.
Revision Reminder
Positive gradients slope upwards from left to right.
Negative gradients slope downwards from left to right.
Game
Wordwall - Slope
Learn
Watch White Rose Maths - Plot Graphs of the Form y=mx+ c.
Task
Conclusion
You can now draw straight line graphs with positive gradients.
Day 3 – Graphs and Sequences
What am I learning Today?
I will be learning to connect linear sequences to straight line graphs.
Revision Reminder
Linear sequences follow a pattern like “add 2 each time.” This is similar to a gradient in a straight line.
Game
Wordwall - Describing Sequences.
Learn
Watch White Rose Maths - Link Graphs to Linear Sequences.
Task
Work your way through the Oak Academy Year 8 - Representing Sequences Graphically lesson. Complete the video, the quiz, and the worksheet (the worksheet can be downloaded from the introduction section).
Conclusion
You can now link sequences and straight line graphs.
Day 4 - Problem Solving with Linear Relationships
What am I Learning Today?
I am learning to use my knowledge of graphing linear relationships to solve problems.
Game
Linear Graphs Pong - UK Free Maths Games
Learn
Work your way through the Oak Academy Year 8 Problem Solving with Linear Relationships. Complete the video, quiz and worksheet.
Task
In your journal:
Write a short reflection explaining how a sequence like 2n+1 connects to the graph of y=2x+1.
Conclusion
You can now plot linear relationships, determining gradients, intercepts and positive and negative slopes. You can relate linear graphs to sequences and solve problems.
Day 5 Project – Linear Relationships in the Real World
What am I learning today?
I will be learning to apply my knowledge of gradients, intercepts, sequences, and linear relationships to solve and explain a real-world problem.
Task
You are designing a mobile phone contract plan.
The monthly cost has a fixed fee plus a charge per GB of data used. Write an equation in the form y=mx+c, where c is the fixed fee and m is the cost per GB.
Create a table of values for 0–10 GB of data.
Plot the graph of your equation.
Explain what the gradient and y-intercept mean in the context of your plan.
If another company charges £15 per month plus £3 per GB, draw this graph on the same axes. Compare the two plans.
Use your graphs to determine which plan is more cost-effective for 2 GB, 5 GB, and 8 GB.
Extension: Show how the costs can also be expressed as a sequence (e.g., “start at £c, add £m each time”).
Conclusion
You have used straight line equations to model a real situation, linked equations to sequences, and compared two linear graphs to make a decision.
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