Nuffield Free-Standing Mathematics Activity
Matching graphs and scenarios
© Nuffield Foundation 2012
Measuring pulse rate
Measurements
from real-life situations
give different shapes of
graph.
Using the cards, match each scenario with its graph.
Conversion graph (miles against kilometres)
miles
100
kilometres
0
160
Graph showing 100 mile journey
Distance
travelled
(miles)
100
0
2
Time (hours)
Graph showing amount of oil in tank
Amount
(litres)
100
0
5
Time (days)
Graph showing temperature of water
Temperature
(C)
100
20
0
60
Time (minutes)
Graph showing temperature of bread
Temperature
(C)
0
30
Time
(minutes)
– 20
Conversion graph (F against C)
Temperature
(F)
212
32
0
100
Temperature (C)
Graph showing vehicle travelling at a steady speed
before an emergency stop
Speed
(mph)
50
0
Time (seconds)
Graph showing depth of water in bath
Depth
(cm)
50
0
Time (minutes)
5
Graph showing vehicle setting off from junction
Speed
(mph)
50
0
10
Time (seconds)
Graph showing growth of a plant
Height
(cm)
50
0
10
Time (weeks)
Graph showing heart rate in exercise
Heart rate
(beats/minute)
100
0
Time (minutes)
50
Graph showing amount of water in container
Amount (ml)
200
0
50
Time (seconds)
At the end of the activity
When interpreting a graph, which key features are useful?
Describe a real situation that would give a linear graph.
Describe a real situation that would give a curved graph.
Describe a real situation that would give a graph with more
than one section (straight or curved).