Constant Rate Graph

We've created a data table showing how far our racer travels in different amounts of time, and now we want to create a graph to organize it in a visual, easy to understand way.

We'll do that by creating a line graph that shows how the racer's distance changes over time.

Every good graph starts with a title. I'm going to call mine Racer Distance Over Time.

Now let's label the axes. The x axis, the line across the bottom represents time in seconds. The y axis, the line that goes up and down, represents distance in meters.

We want all of our graphs to look the same so that we can compare them later. So we are all going to use the same intervals.

Let's make each tick mark along the x axis represent one second. I'll skip count by twos so the space doesn't become too crowded.

Now for the y axis. Each tick mark will represent one tenth of a meter or point one meters. I'll skip count here as well to keep it neat and readable.

Now we can start plotting points from our data table.

Even though it's not listed, remember that at zero seconds, the racer has traveled zero meters. That point, zero, comma, zero, is always important because it shows the starting position.

Before we start plotting additional points, let's take a closer look at the data table. You'll notice that some of the numbers don't land perfectly on the intersection of grid lines. That's okay. The key is to choose at least three data points that you can plot with as much accuracy as possible.

Look for numbers that line up close to the intersection lines on your graph. Those will be easier to place correctly.

This distance, point one zero six meters, is pretty close to point one, so I will use this data point.

Point seven nine five meters is close to point eight meters, so this won't be hard to plot either.

And one point zero zero seven meters is basically one meter.

Now let's find those intersections of the time and distance and plot the points on the graph.

Once all of the points are plotted, take a long straightedge or meter stick. Start it at the origin and draw a straight line that passes through the points and continues to the edge of the graph.

This line shows the racer's motion, how the distance keeps increasing at a constant rate as time passes.

Every part of this line represents something important. Each point shows the racer's position at a specific time.