GraphsDeep Dive

Conversion Graphs and Cost Graphs

Part of Real-Life GraphsGCSE Mathematics

This deep dive covers Conversion Graphs and Cost Graphs within Real-Life Graphs for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Real-Life Graphs in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 5 of 9 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 5 of 9

Practice

14 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

Conversion Graphs and Cost Graphs

A conversion graph converts between two units (e.g. miles and kilometres, pounds and euros). It is always a straight line through the origin (0, 0) if there is no fixed charge.

To use a conversion graph:

  1. Find your value on one axis
  2. Draw a horizontal (or vertical) line to the graph
  3. Drop down (or across) to read the converted value

A cost graph may have a fixed charge (y-intercept above zero) plus a rate per unit (gradient).

Example: A gas bill graph passes through (0, 15) and (100, 55).

Fixed charge = £15 (y-intercept)

Rate per unit = (55 − 15) ÷ (100 − 0) = 40 ÷ 100 = £0.40 per unit

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Real-Life Graphs. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Real-Life Graphs

On a distance-time graph, what does a horizontal (flat) section represent?

  • A. The object is moving at constant speed
  • B. The object is accelerating
  • C. The object is stationary
  • D. The object is returning to the start
1 markfoundation

A distance-time graph shows a section with a negative gradient. Explain what a negative gradient means in the context of a distance-time graph.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Formula for speed from a distance-time graph?
Speed = gradient = (change in distance) / (change in time) Speed = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1) Units: always check axes — e.g. km/h, m/s, miles/minute
How do you use a conversion graph to convert a value?
1. Find your value on the known axis 2. Draw a line straight up (or across) to the graph 3. Draw a line across (or down) to the other axis 4. Read off the converted value Always use a ruler for accuracy.

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