Year 11 - Maths
Speed-time 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.
Unit Summary
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.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to calculate time intervals and acceleration of sections of a speed/time graph.
Key Notes
- In a speed-time graph, a horizontal line means the speed did not change during that time.
- A slanted line means the speed is changing.
- You find this by considering the change in speed with respect to the change in time.
- This is how you find the gradient of the line, which is also the acceleration.
- A negative gradient means there is deceleration.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Acceleration: Acceleration is the rate of change of speed with respect to time.
- Deceleration: Deceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object is decreasing.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may think a horizontal line on a speed-time means the object is stationary.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
In a speed-time graph, a horizontal line means the speed did not change during that time. A slanted line means the speed is changing.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Acceleration'
Acceleration is the rate of change of speed with respect to time. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may think a horizontal line on a speed-time means the object is stationary. Correction: The $$y$$-axis is plotting speed so a horizontal line means the speed has not changed in that time. But this can be at any speed. Pupils need to double check axes to know what sort of graph they are using.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Advanced problem solving with real-life graphs Study Guide
- Calculating journeys from linear speed-time graphs Study Guide
- Calculating the rate of change Study Guide
- Checking and securing understanding of drawing distance-time graphs Study Guide
- Checking and securing understanding of reading from context-based graphs Study Guide
- Distance-time graphs Study Guide
- Efficiently estimating journeys from non-linear graphs Study Guide
- Estimating journeys from non-linear graphs Study Guide
- Estimating the gradient of a curve Study Guide
- Finding the equation of a radius of a circle Study Guide
- Finding the equation of the tangent to a circle Study Guide
- Improving the estimate of the gradient of a curve Study Guide
- Interpreting and drawing more real-life graphs Study Guide
- Interpreting and drawing real-life graphs Study Guide
- Non-linear distance-time graphs Study Guide
- Problem solving with real-life graphs Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Maths guide library.