1. Graphing Speed Or how to read a distance-time graph

2. Distance vs. Time graphs A distance vs. time graph shows where an object is at a particular time. The SLOPE of a distance vs. time graph shows the speed of an object. If the line is STRAIGHT it shows CONSTANT speed.

3. Distance vs. time graph A steeper line shows faster speed. A less steep line shows slower speed.

4. Distance vs. time graphs A horizontal line shows that an object has NO SPEED because it does not change its position. If the line slopes UPWARD, this means the object is moving forward and is called POSITIVE SPEED. If the line slopes DOWNWARD, this means the object is going back to the beginning and is called NEGATIVE SPEED.

5. Distance vs. Time graph Which line is showing the fastest positive speed? Why?

6. Distance vs. Time graph Which line is showing a slow positive speed? Why?

7. Distance vs. Time graph Which line is showing an object that is not moving? Why?

8. Distance vs. Time graph Which line is showing an object that has negative speed? Why?

9. Graphing Rules Good graphs are always drawn LARGE enough so that you can see the trend in the data. Good graphs ALWAYS have a title that describes what is graphed. Good graphs ALWAYS have clearly labeled X and Y axes with clean numbers, names, and units.

10. Independent variable The independent variable is ALWAYS graphed on the X- axis. TIME is always considered an independent variable.

11. Dependent variable The dependent variable is ALWAYS graphed on the Y-axis

12. What is the title of the graph? What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable?

13. Velocity- Time Graph

14. Label the Graph in Your Notes