Question

The graph indicates the running route for Tobias.

A graph with horizontal axis time (seconds) and vertical axis position in (meters). The line runs in straight segments from 0 seconds 0 meters to 4 seconds 10 meters to 6 seconds 5 meters to 10 seconds 10 meters to 12 seconds 15 meters to 14 seconds 5 meters to 16 seconds 22 meters to to 20 seconds 28 meters.
Which best describes his run?

From time 0 to 6, he went fast and then slowed down.
From time 6 to 10, he was at his slowest.
From time 12 to 14, he went very slow.
From time 14 to 18, he went toward the starting point.

Answer 1

Only the second statement is correct.

Reasoning (speeds = change in position / change in time):
- 0–4 s: 0 → 10 m, speed = +2.5 m/s (fast forward).
- 4–6 s: 10 → 5 m, speed = −2.5 m/s (he reversed and went back toward start — not just “slowed down”).
- 6–10 s: 5 → 10 m, speed = +1.25 m/s (this is the slowest speed).
- 10–12 s: 10 → 15 m, speed = +2.5 m/s.
- 12–14 s: 15 → 5 m, speed = −5 m/s (very fast, not very slow).
- 14–16 s: 5 → 22 m, speed = +8.5 m/s.
- 16–20 s: 22 → 28 m, speed = +1.5 m/s.

So:
- “From 0 to 6, he went fast and then slowed down.” — misleading/false (he went forward then reversed direction).
- “From 6 to 10, he was at his slowest.” — true.
- “From 12 to 14, he went very slow.” — false (he went fast backward).
- “From 14 to 18, he went toward the starting point.” — false (he continued away from the start).