Distance / Time Graphs

Key Facts and ExamTips

On a distance-time graph, time taken is recorded on the horizontal axis and distance travelled from a starting point on the vertical axis.

Read the labels and numbering on the axes carefully. In order to plot and read points you need to be clear what each division on the axes represents.

The gradient of a distance-time graph represents speed.

You can use the formula 'speed = distance ÷ time' to calculate average speeds for sections of a graph.

Remember to use suitable units, particularly if they are given in the question.

Steeper sections on the graph show that the journey is being made more quickly.

Horizontal sections of the graph indicate periods of rest.

Sections with negative gradients indicate return journeys: journeys back towards the starting point.

Note that the axes will have different scales, with units of distance and time. Be familiar with common measures of these.

When performing calculations involving time, remember that there are 60 minutes in 1 hour.

Use a sharp pencil and a ruler when drawing distance-time graphs. This will enable you to work more accurately.