AQA
AQA All About Maths
Print this page

Topic: Coordinates and Graphs (Foundation - Unit 2)

Specification References: N6.12

N6.12 Discuss, plot and interpret graphs (which may be non-linear) modelling real situations.


Candidates should be able to:

  • draw linear graphs with or without a table of values
  • interpret linear graphs representing real-life situations; for example, graphs representing financial situations (e.g. gas, electricity, water, mobile phone bills, council tax) with or without fixed charges, and also understand that the intercept represents the fixed charge or deposit
  • plot and interpret distance-time graphs

Notes

This is part of the core algebra work required across all units.
The core algebra work will be assessed so that it is linked to other specification references within this unit.

Candidates should note that distance-time graphs will be assessed in Unit 2 only.

Conversion graphs and non-linear graphs will be assessed in Unit 3.

Examples

  1. The cost of hiring a floor sanding machine is worked out as follows:
    Deposit = £28. Cost per day = £12.
    Draw a graph to show the cost of hiring the machine for six days.

view more examples

  1. Another firm hires out a floor sanding machine for £22 deposit, cost for first two days £20 per day, then £8 for each additional day.
    Draw a graph on the same axes as the one above to show the cost of hiring the machine for six days.
    Answer questions such as ... ‘Which firm would you use to hire the floor sanding machine for five or more days? Explain your answer.’

  2. Draw and interpret a distance-time graph given relevant information. Use the graph to answer questions such as ‘For how long was the car stopped at the petrol station?’