Travel Graphs

A travel graph, or distance–time graph, shows how far someone is from a starting point as time passes, with numbers on both axes. In NSW Year 8 maths, students read these graphs and calculate the speed of each straight section (NESA outcome MA4‑RAT‑C‑01).

You will read distances and times, explain what flat and downward sections mean, and find speeds in km/h or m/s from each part of a journey. You will find the average speed with stops included, compare two travellers on one graph to see where they meet or how far apart they are, choose the graph that matches a description, and finish a trip that is only partly drawn. Rail-trail rides, whale watching and a drive to Sydney are examples. It is part of Year 8 Time and Travel.