Channel 4 Learning



MATHEMATICS
Maths 4 Real
 
Percentage Changes
Standard Form
Ratio and Proportion
Straight Line Graphs
Distance / Time Graphs
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Pythagoras' Theorem
The Sine Ratio
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Distance / Time Graphs

Programme Outline

00.00-00.47

Katie and Ben use different means of transport to get to Gabriel's Wharf. On the way they explain that the programme is going to be about how such daily journeys can be plotted and analysed mathematically using distance-time graphs.

00.47-01.40

In order to collect some useful data, our presenters will need to make some journeys. Ben, ever the gentleman, gives Katy first choice. She goes to Brussels, travelling from London by train. Ben, meanwhile, will accompany pop group Atomic Kitten on their daily travels - setting off at 7am tomorrow morning.

01.40-03.46

Ben is waiting to meet Atomic Kitten outside their hotel. He explains how he is going to keep track of their journey using a distance-time graph. He sets up his axes and plots his first point.

Ben and the group travel to a primary school. Ben records the journey so far on his graph.

03.46-06.38

Katie boards the train and speeds through the Channel Tunnel to the continent. She explains how she has chosen to label the axes on her graph, and plots her journey so far. She introduces the idea that the gradient of the graph represents average speed, and compares the speeds for different sections of the route. Having sorted out the mathematics, she takes time to relax and enjoy the trip.

06.38-07.35

Atomic Kitten prove to be a big hit at the school. As Ben waits in the car park he takes the opportunity to point out that for the time the group have been performing they have remained at the same distance from the start of their journey. The line he adds to his graph is therefore horizontal.

07.35-09.12

The train pulls into Brussels, and Katie finds that the gradient for the last section of her journey is steeper. Graphics illustrate the equation

(speed) = (distance) / (time)

and the relevant triangle on the graph. The result is converted from km/min to km/h.

09.12-10.46

We follow Ben and Atomic Kitten to lunch and then on to a recording for Top of the Pops. As Ben tries to keep on top of things, the remainder of the day"s travel is plotted on the graph. Finally back at the hotel, a tired Ben shows how the return journey gives a negative gradient on his graph.

10.46-13.20

In 'Tick or Trash', Ben and Katie find an average speed, using values taken from a graph. Ben's mistake highlights the need to read scales carefully.

13.20-end

We catch Katie buying Belgian chocolates before setting off home. She just has time to ask a final question before she is whisked back to London.