Understanding Distance-Time Graphs in Year 8 Mathematics
A distance-time graph provides a visual representation of how far someone travels over a specific period. In this detailed analysis of Year 8 Maths test pdf with answers, we'll explore a practical example involving Sam's walking journey and break down the key components of interpreting such graphs.
The graph shows Sam's journey starting at 1 PM, with distance measured in kilometers on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. When analyzing distance-time graphs, horizontal lines indicate periods of rest (no movement), while sloped lines show movement. The steeper the slope, the faster the speed of travel.
Definition: A distance-time graph displays the relationship between the distance traveled and the time taken. The slope of the line represents speed - steeper lines mean faster movement, horizontal lines mean no movement, and downward slopes indicate returning toward the starting point.
In Sam's journey, we can observe multiple segments including periods of rest and movement. The graph reaches a maximum distance of 6 kilometers from home before showing a return journey. When calculating rest periods, we look for horizontal sections of the line, and for average speed, we use the formula: speed = distance ÷ time.