1.9 Distance from velocity-time graphs
Distance travelled from a velocity-time graph is found from the area between the graph line and the time axis over intervals.
- Syllabus
- 2024
- Objective
- 1.9
- Level
- —
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing17%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper1P
Typical marks1–4
Common command terms
- Calculate
- Identify
- State
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Using gradient when the question asks for distance travelled.
Recent exam appearances
November 2025Paper1P [] · TZ09(d)[ 3 ]1.9 Distance from velocity-time graphs
November 2024Paper1P [null] · TZ06(a)(iii)[ 3 ]1.9 Distance from velocity-time graphs
November 2024Paper1P [null] · TZ06(a)(ii)[ 1 ]1.9 Distance from velocity-time graphs
Jan 2021Paper1PR [null] · TZ05(a)[ 4 ]1.9 Distance from velocity-time graphs
May 2020Paper1P [null] · TZ02(b)[ 3 ]1.9 Distance from velocity-time graphs
Practice this objective
Coverage 2019–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
1.9 Distance from velocity-time graphs
Determine the distance travelled from the area between a velocity-time graph and the time axis
Concept essentials
- The area under a velocity-time graph gives distance travelled.
- Rectangular and triangular sections can be added to find total distance.
- Stopping distance may combine more than one area region.
- Gradient gives acceleration, while area gives distance.
- Alternative equations can check area-based answers when acceleration is constant.