Year 11 - Maths
Efficiently estimating journeys from non-linear graphs
Real-life graphs
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Year 11 - Maths
Real-life graphs
In this unit pupils expand upon knowledge developed in the linear graphs unit. Pupils are introduced to rates of change and the gradient of the tangent as a way of estimating the gradient of a curve.
You will learn to efficiently estimate the distance travelled for non-linear speed-time graphs.
The more trapezia used, the better the estimate. Multiple trapezia can be calculated efficiently.
A quick estimate for a calculation is obtained from using approximate values, often rounded to 1 significant figure. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
Mistake: When pupils see four, five or six trapezia they want to work each one out individually, then, do another calculation adding those four, five, six areas together. Correction: This is hugely inefficient. Write out the sum of the area of multiple trapeziums then, from there, look for efficiencies. This is where applying knowledge of factorisation can be beneficial as it reduces the work.
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