1. **State the problem:** Find the gradient (slope) of the line passing through points $(-2, -6)$ and $(0, 6)$. 2. **Formula for gradient:** The gradient $m$ of a line through points $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ is given by: $$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ 3. **Substitute the points:** $$m = \frac{6 - (-6)}{0 - (-2)} = \frac{6 + 6}{0 + 2} = \frac{12}{2}$$ 4. **Simplify the fraction:** $$m = \frac{\cancel{12}}{\cancel{2}} = 6$$ 5. **Interpretation:** The gradient of the line is $6$, meaning the line rises 6 units vertically for every 1 unit it moves horizontally to the right.