1. Position vs Time Graphs
Created by Mrs. Bertoson
Feb 2012

2. How to read the position vs time graph
The slope is speed
Increasing diagonal lines are constant speed moving AWAY from the origin
Horizontal lines are stopped
Decreasing diagonal lines are constant speed moving TOWARDS the origen

3. The distance is 40 meters How to find distance
Find the distance after 10 seconds.
Find 10 seconds on the axis and follow it vertically until you reach the graph.
From this point, find the y-value (distance) by looking to the left.
The distance is 40 meters

4. Practice finding distance
What is the distance after 15 seconds?
Find 15 seconds on the x-axis and follow it vertically until you reach the graph.
From this point, find the y-value (distance) by looking to the left.
The distance is 30 meters

5. How to find speed from 0 Find the speed from 0 to 4 seconds.
Find 4 seconds on the axis and follow it vertically until you reach the graph.
From this point, find the y-value (distance) by looking to the left.
Plug in the numbers: (the origin was 0)
Speed= distance = 20-0 = 20 = 5m/s
time

6. Practice finding speed from 0
What is the average speed of the object?
Find the last time on the x-axis and follow it vertically until you reach the graph.
From this point, find the y-value (distance) by looking to the left.
Plug in the numbers: (the origin was 0)
Speed= distance = 50-0 = 50 = 2m/s
time

7. How to find speed anywhere
Find the speed from 6 to 10 seconds.
Calculate the time.
10-6 = 4 seconds
Find 6 seconds on the axis and follow it vertically until you reach the graph.
From this point, find the y-value (distance) by looking to the left.
Follow steps 2 and 3 for 10 seconds.
Plug in the numbers:
Speed= distance = = 20 = 5m/s
time

8. Practice finding speed anywhere
Find the speed from 4 to 10 seconds.
Calculate the time.
10-4 = 6 seconds
Find 6 seconds on the axis and follow it vertically until you reach the graph.
From this point, find the y-value (distance) by looking to the left.
Follow steps 2 and 3 for 10 seconds.
Plug in the numbers:
Speed= distance = 18-0 = 18 = 3m/s
time