distance time graphs

• Constructing a distance-time graph from given information


  Plot a point at 0 seconds and 0 meters

  2. Plot a point at the distance traveled and the time taken for the first part of the journey

  3. Plot a point at the total distance traveled and the total time taken for the journey

  4. Connect the dots with straight lines
• Gradient of a distance-time graph

  Represents the object's speed
• Determining an object's speed from a distance-time graph


  Identify the two parts of the journey on the graph

  2. Calculate the gradient for each part by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken

  3. The gradient gives the speed for each part of the journey
• Using a tangent to determine the speed of an accelerating object


  Identify the point on the graph where you want to find the speed

  2. Draw a tangent to the curve at that point

  3. Calculate the gradient of the tangent by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken

  4. The gradient of the tangent gives the speed of the object at that point