Graphs of Motion · 7.1.1
Drawing distance-time graphs
Students plot distance against time for a given motion using tabulated or described data, choosing suitable scales for both axes, and connect the points to form a line graph showing how the distance travelled changes over the journey.
The official learning standard (7.1.1)
“Draw distance-time graphs.”
What it means
Students plot distance against time for a given motion using tabulated or described data, choosing suitable scales for both axes, and connect the points to form a line graph showing how the distance travelled changes over the journey.
How it is examined
Tested in Paper 2, typically as the first part of a structured question where students complete a table of values and plot a distance-time graph accurately on graph paper, forming the basis for later interpretation or problem-solving parts of the same question.
Worked example
A cyclist travels at a constant speed of 8 km/h. Draw a distance-time graph for the first 3 hours of the journey.
- Calculate distance at each hour using distance = speed × time.
- At t = 0 h, d = 0 km; t = 1 h, d = 8 km; t = 2 h, d = 16 km; t = 3 h, d = 24 km.
- Plot the points (0, 0), (1, 8), (2, 16) and (3, 24), with time (h) on the horizontal axis and distance (km) on the vertical axis.
- Join the points with a straight line, since the speed is constant.
Source:DSKP KSSM Mathematics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English)
Frequently asked questions
What goes on each axis of a distance-time graph?
Time is always plotted on the horizontal axis and distance on the vertical axis, since distance is being shown as changing with respect to time.
Does the line have to be straight?
Only when speed is constant; if speed changes during the journey, the graph consists of straight segments with different gradients, or curves for continuously varying speed.
What does a horizontal segment on the graph mean?
A horizontal segment means the distance is not changing while time passes, which represents the object being at rest or stationary.