Question

1. the graph shows the speed traveled by a vehicle over a period of time. choose the statement that most directly reflects the graph below. a. the speed increases at a constant rate at first. then the speed stays the same for a while before decreasing at a constant rate. b. the speed increases at a faster rate at first. then the speed stays the same for a while before decreasing at a constant rate. c. the speed decreases at a constant rate at first. then the speed stays the same for a while before increasing at a faster and faster rate. d. the speed decreases at a constant rate at first. then the speed stays the same for a while before increasing at a constant rate.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the slope of the graph

The slope of a speed - time graph represents acceleration (if positive, speed is increasing; if negative, speed is decreasing). In the first part of the graph, the slope is negative (speed is decreasing). The slope of a straight - line segment in a speed - time graph is constant.

Step2: Check the behavior of the graph

The first segment has a constant negative slope (speed decreasing at a constant rate). Then there is a horizontal segment (speed is constant). Then there is a segment with a positive slope (speed increasing).

Answer:

C. The speed decreases at a constant rate at first. Then the speed stays the same for a while before increasing at a faster and faster rate.