Area Under The Graph (Quick Question)

In summary, the area under a velocity-time graph represents the total displacement of a body. The formula for calculating the area is 0.5 x base x height, where the "shape" created is a triangle. This area can also be calculated using the integral function, and for a graph with a linear function, the formula is 1/2mx^2 + bx. The area under a speed-time graph represents the total distance travelled by the body.
  • #1
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So I have a velocity-time graph and I need to calculate the area under it. I guess the "shape" made is a triangle so the formula would be 0.5 x b x h. But what exactly is the area under the graph supposed to represent? Does it have anything to do with position?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
If the function of you graphic is f(x), the area is:

[tex]A=\int f(x) dx[/tex]

If f(x)=mx +b :

[tex]A=\int (mx +b)dx[/tex]

[tex]A= \frac{1}{2}mx^2+bx[/tex]

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integral

I hope to have helped :blushing:
 
  • #3
the area under the graph of a velocity-time graph, is the total displacement of a body.
 
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  • #4
the area under a speed-time graph gives the total distance travelled by the body.
the area under a velocity-time graph gives the total displacement of the body.
 

FAQ: Area Under The Graph (Quick Question)

What is the area under the graph?

The area under the graph is the total space enclosed by the curve of a function and the x-axis. It represents the sum of all the values of the function within a given interval.

How is the area under the graph calculated?

The area under the graph can be calculated using integration techniques, such as the Riemann sum or the trapezoidal rule. These methods involve dividing the area into smaller, simpler shapes and finding the sum of their areas.

What is the significance of the area under the graph in science?

The area under the graph is important in many scientific fields, including physics, engineering, and economics. It can represent physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and work, and can also be used to analyze data and make predictions.

Can the area under the graph be negative?

Yes, the area under the graph can be negative if the function dips below the x-axis. This indicates that the values of the function within the given interval are negative.

How does the shape of the graph affect the area under the graph?

The shape of the graph can greatly affect the area under the curve. For example, a concave-upward curve will have a larger area than a concave-downward curve, even if both curves have the same endpoints. Additionally, a graph with more extreme values will have a larger area than a graph with smaller values.

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