IGCSE Travel Graphs: Complete Guide for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE travel graphs are essential graph interpretation topics in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics that appear in both Paper 2 and Paper 4. Mastering distance-time graphs and speed-time graphs is essential for solving real-world motion problems.

This comprehensive IGCSE travel graphs guide covers everything you need to know, including interpreting distance-time and speed-time graphs, calculating speeds and accelerations, worked examples, common exam questions, and expert tips from Tutopiya’s IGCSE maths tutors. We’ll also show you how to avoid the most common mistakes that cost students valuable marks.

🎯 What you’ll learn: By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to interpret travel graphs, calculate speeds and accelerations, identify different types of motion, and apply these skills to solve problems in IGCSE exams.

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Why IGCSE Travel Graphs Matter

IGCSE travel graphs are essential graph interpretation topics. Here’s why they’re so important:

• High frequency topic: Travel graph questions appear regularly in IGCSE maths papers
• Foundation skill: Essential for understanding motion and real-world applications
• Exam weight: Typically worth 5-8 marks per paper
• Real-world applications: Used in physics, transportation, and motion analysis
• Problem-solving skills: Develops graph interpretation and calculation abilities

Key insight from examiners: Students often confuse distance-time and speed-time graphs or make errors calculating gradients. This guide will help you master these systematically.

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Understanding Travel Graphs

Travel graphs show how distance or speed changes over time.

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Distance-Time Graphs

Distance-time graphs show distance on the y-axis and time on the x-axis.

Key Features

• Gradient = speed
• Horizontal line = stationary (speed = 0)
• Straight line = constant speed
• Curved line = changing speed

Example 1: A distance-time graph shows a straight line from (0,0) to (2, 60). Find the speed.

Solution: Speed = gradient = (60 - 0) / (2 - 0) = 30 km/h

Answer: 30 km/h

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Speed-Time Graphs

Speed-time graphs show speed on the y-axis and time on the x-axis.

Key Features

• Gradient = acceleration
• Area under graph = distance traveled
• Horizontal line = constant speed (acceleration = 0)
• Straight line = constant acceleration

Example 2: A speed-time graph shows constant speed of 40 km/h for 3 hours. Find the distance.

Solution: Distance = area under graph = 40 × 3 = 120 km

Answer: 120 km

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Calculating Acceleration

Acceleration = gradient of speed-time graph

Example 3: Speed increases from 0 to 60 km/h in 5 seconds. Find acceleration.

Solution: Acceleration = (60 - 0) / 5 = 12 km/h/s

Answer: 12 km/h/s

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Common Examiner Traps

• Confusing graph types - Distance-time vs speed-time graphs
• Gradient errors - Use correct formula: (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)
• Area calculation errors - Break complex shapes into simple ones
• Unit errors - Check units are consistent

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Practice Questions

Question 1

A distance-time graph shows a journey of 100 km in 2 hours. What is the average speed?

Solution: Speed = 100 / 2 = 50 km/h

Answer: 50 km/h

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Tutopiya Advantage: Personalised IGCSE Travel Graphs Coaching

• Live whiteboard walkthroughs of travel graph problems
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📞 Ready to turn shaky travel graph skills into exam-ready confidence? Book a free IGCSE maths trial and accelerate your revision plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions About IGCSE Travel Graphs

What is a distance-time graph?

A distance-time graph shows distance on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. The gradient gives the speed.

What is a speed-time graph?

A speed-time graph shows speed on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. The gradient gives acceleration, and the area gives distance.

How do I find speed from a distance-time graph?

Speed = gradient of the distance-time graph.

How do I find distance from a speed-time graph?

Distance = area under the speed-time graph.

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Related IGCSE Maths Resources

Strengthen your IGCSE Mathematics preparation with these comprehensive guides:

• IGCSE Speed, Distance and Time: Complete Guide - Master speed calculations
• IGCSE Graphs of Functions: Complete Guide - Master graph interpretation
• IGCSE Maths Revision Notes, Syllabus and Preparation Tips - Complete syllabus overview, topic breakdown, and revision strategies
• IGCSE Past Papers Guide - Access free IGCSE past papers and exam resources

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Next Steps: Master IGCSE Travel Graphs with Tutopiya

Ready to excel in IGCSE travel graphs? Our expert IGCSE maths tutors provide:

• Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring tailored to your learning pace
• Exam-focused practice with real Cambridge IGCSE past papers
• Interactive whiteboard sessions for visual learning
• Progress tracking to identify and strengthen weak areas
• Flexible scheduling to fit your revision timetable

Book a free IGCSE maths trial lesson and get personalized support to master travel graphs and achieve your target grade.

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