About Exploring distance time graphs

Graphs are a common way of presenting information. However, like any other type of representation, graphs rely on shared understandings of symbols and styles to convey meaning. Also, graphs are normally drawn specifically with the intention of presenting information in a particularly favourable or unfavourable light, to convince you of an argument or to influence your decisions. After studying this Unit you should be able to: Explain in English and by using examples, the conventions and language used in graph drawing to someone not studying the course Use the following terms accurately, and be able to explain them to someone else: 'time-series graph, 'conversion graph, 'directly proportional relationship, '"straight-line" relationship, 'gradient, 'intercept, 'x-coordinate, 'y-coordinate, 'coordinate pair, 'variable, 'independent variable, 'dependent variable, 'average speed, 'velocity, 'distance-time graph Draw a graph on a sheet of graph paper, from a table of data, correctly plotting the points, labelling the graph and scaling and labelling the axes Draw and use a graph to convert between a quantity measured in one system of units to the same quantity measured in a different system Write down the formula of a straight-line graph, and be able to explain, using sketches, the meaning of the terms 'gradient and 'intercept Comment critically on a graph by carefully reading out information Explain how a distance-time graph could be used to plan a journey Explain and use the mathematical relationship between distance, time, average speed and the gradient of distance-time graph Construct a distance-time graph from a narrative account of a journey Draw correctly, use and interpret distance-time graphs Draw, interpret and use distance-time and position-time graphs in a specific context Record how you tackle mathematical problems Comment on the usefulness of tables and graphs for different purposes