Analyzing Distance-Time Graphs & Equations

Review

  1. Find the graph on page 67 of your text book. Create the data table from which line 2 (blue) was made.

Distance (____) / Time (____)
  1. There are 3 intervals of time during which the speed is constant. Calculate each constant speed.

Time Interval (____) / Constant Speed (____ / ____) / Equation and space to show calculations
_____ = _____ ÷ _____
  1. During which time interval is she NOT MOVING? ______
  2. The graph shows that her speed varied throughout the workout. A good summary value would be her average speed during the entire workout. Calculate her average speed. Include the following in your answer:
  3. Equation to use
  4. Values plugged into the equation
  5. Determine the correct units for your answer

5.  There may be times when the average speed equation must be solved for something other than speed. If you need to solve for the distance or the time, algebra must be used to re-arrange the equation. The following alternate method can be used by those who do not yet have skills in algebra.

a.  Complete the triangular representation of the equation

b.  Cover up what you need to solve for

c.  Either multiply across the base or divide from top to bottom

6.  A runner had an average speed of 10.14 m/s for 9.86 seconds of a race. Calculate the distance the runner traveled during this time. Show your work.

7.  The table gives the years and the winning times for the women’s 400 meter race in the Olympics.

a.  Calculate the winning speeds and write them in the table.

Year / Time (seconds) / Speed (___/___) / Equation & space to show calculations (___/___)
1964 / 52.00
1968 / 52.00
1972 / 51.08
1976 / 49.29
1980 / 48.88
1984 / 48.83
1988 / 48.65
1992 / 48.83

b.  Describe the trend seen in the winning times. ______

c.  Describe the trend seen in the average speeds. ______

d.  Explain how the two trends are different. ______