Reading Distance/Time Graphs

Front

What does a distance/time graph represent?

Back

A distance/time graph shows how the distance traveled by an object changes over time.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What does a flat horizontal line indicate on a distance/time graph?

Back

A flat horizontal line indicates that the object is stationary (not moving).

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What does a straight diagonal line represent on a distance/time graph?

Back

A straight diagonal line indicates that the object is moving at a constant speed.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What does a curved line indicate on a distance/time graph?

Back

A curved line indicates that the object is accelerating or decelerating.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What does a steep slope on a distance/time graph indicate?

Back

A steep slope indicates a fast speed.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What does a gentle slope on a distance/time graph indicate?

Back

A gentle slope indicates a slow speed.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What does it mean if the line on a distance/time graph goes back down?

Back

If the line goes back down, it means the object is returning to its starting position.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What is acceleration in the context of distance/time graphs?

Back

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, shown by a curve or a changing slope on the graph.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What does it mean if the graph shows a section where the line is horizontal followed by a steep line?

Back

It means the object was stationary for a time and then started moving quickly.

Tags

CCSS.HSF.IF.B.4

Front

How can you tell if an object is moving backward on a distance/time graph?

Back

If the line slopes downward from left to right, it indicates the object is moving backward.

Tags

CCSS.HSF.IF.B.4