GraphsDeep Dive

Distance-Time Graphs

Part of Real-Life GraphsGCSE Mathematics

This deep dive covers Distance-Time 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 2 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 2 of 9

Practice

14 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

Distance-Time Graphs

A distance-time graph plots distance from a starting point (y-axis) against time (x-axis).

  • Gradient = speed: steeper slope means faster speed
  • Horizontal line: the object is stationary (distance not changing)
  • Slope going down: the object is returning towards the start
  • Straight line: constant (uniform) speed
  • Curved line: changing speed (acceleration or deceleration)

Formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time    (gradient = rise ÷ run)

Example: A graph shows a straight line from (0, 0) to (3, 120). What is the speed?

Gradient = (120 − 0) ÷ (3 − 0) = 120 ÷ 3 = 40 km/h

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

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.
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

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 14 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards for Real-Life Graphs — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha