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Problem solving with real-life graphs

I can use my knowledge of interpreting real-life graphs to solve problems.

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Lesson 7 of 7

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Year 11

Problem solving with real-life graphs

I can use my knowledge of interpreting real-life graphs to solve problems.

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Key learning points

Real life graphs present a visual model of a situation.
Linear graphs are not always the best representation.
The different parts of the graph describe different parts of the whole situation.

Keywords

Linear - The relationship between two variables is linear if, when plotted on a pair of axes, a straight line is formed.
Gradient - The gradient is a measure of how steep a line is. It is calculated by finding the rate of change in the $$y$$-direction with respect to the positive $$x$$-direction.

Common misconception

When matching, or sketching, distance-time and speed-time graphs pupils may think these have a similar shape.

Questioning helps. Ask pupils to explain what is happening on a variety of graphs. For example, "A diagonal line with positive gradient on a speed-time graph. What is happening?" "A horizontal line on distance-time graph. What is happening?"

There is a great opportunity here to get pupils physically active. Take the pupils outside and ask one pupil to model a journey. "I'd like you to go slow for ten metres, fast for ten metres, stop a short time, then go slow for ten metres". Then, ask the rest of the class to sketch the graphs.

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