Distance-Time Graphs
How do I use a distance-time graph?
- Distance-time graphs show the distance travelled at different times
- Distance is on the vertical axis
- Time is on the horizontal axis
- The gradient of the graph is the speed
- The steeper the line the faster the object is moving
- Lines with positive gradients represent objects moving away from the start point
- Lines with negative gradients represent objects moving towards the start point
- Lines that are horizontal represent rest
- The object is stationary (not moving)
How do I work out the overall average speed?
- For journeys with multiple parts
- the overall average speed for the whole journey is
- The total time includes any rests
Examiner Tip
- These questions often have a lot of parts that depend on each other, so always double check each answer before continuing.
Worked example
One afternoon, Mary cycled 8 km from her home to her grandfather's house.
Part of the travel graph for her journey is shown.
The gradient at 2pm is the same as the gradient for all points between 1:45pm and 2:45pm
It is easiest to use for that bigger section
The scale is 1 square = 15 minutes
Mary stayed at her grandfather's house for half an hour, then cycled home at a steady speed without stopping, arriving home at 4pm.
Complete the travel graph for Mary's journey.
Returning home is a straight line with a negative gradient