Interpreting Graphs

Front

What does the y-coordinate represent in an ordered pair?

Back

The y-coordinate represents the vertical position on a graph.

Front

What does it mean if a graph shows a horizontal line?

Back

A horizontal line indicates that the object is not changing its position; it is at rest.

Front

What does it mean if a graph is sloping upwards?

Back

A sloping upwards graph indicates that the object is moving away from the starting point, showing acceleration.

Front

What does it mean if a graph is sloping downwards?

Back

A sloping downwards graph indicates that the object is moving back towards the starting point, showing deceleration.

Front

What is the significance of the x-axis in a graph?

Back

The x-axis typically represents the independent variable, often time.

Front

What is the significance of the y-axis in a graph?

Back

The y-axis typically represents the dependent variable, often distance or speed.

Front

How can you tell if an object is moving at a constant speed on a graph?

Back

If the graph is a straight line with a positive or negative slope, the object is moving at a constant speed.

Front

What does it mean if a graph has a steep slope?

Back

A steep slope indicates a high speed or rapid change in position.

Front

What does it mean if a graph has a gentle slope?

Back

A gentle slope indicates a low speed or slow change in position.

Front

What does it mean if a graph shows a curve?

Back

A curve indicates that the object's speed is changing; it could be accelerating or decelerating.