i was given an ipad that had an activation lock on it and i dont know the previous owner. How do i get the ipad to unlock ?

You don't and you never will.

Apple will not help and no one here can help you.

Without the info of the previous owner of that iPad, that iPad is locked forever.

You will never make this iPad to ever work for you.

Please recycle the device responsibly.

Sorry.

"Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch" is a security feature, in part to deter re-selling of stolen devices. To learn more click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365

An activation lock can only be removed using the log-in information for the account that applied the lock.

If the owner has not provided contact information the device is useless to you.