Continuous Graph

• In this graph, the $X$ axis represents time, while the $Y$ axis represents speed.
• The $X$ axis represents a continuous value of time and we observe in the graph how the speed changes as a function of time.

Sometimes graphs seem complicated, but if we understand how they work, we will see that they are actually very simple. A graph is just a way to show a lot of information at once.

We have several basic types of graphs. In this article, we will learn about discrete graphs

Every graph is composed of two axes: the $X$ axis and the $Y$ axis. The $X$ axis is the horizontal one (we can imagine it as the floor of the graph). In this graph, the $X$ axis will indicate the time. That is, as we move along the $X$ axis, the time will advance.

For example, you will be able to identify where the $12:00$ hour is, then (to its right), the $13:00$ and so on.

The $Y$ axis is the vertical one (we can imagine it as the wall of the graph). In this case, it represents the amount of water in liters that is in the pool at each moment.

With the two axes, this graph describes the amount of water that is in the pool as the hours go by. That is, the pool is being filled with water over time, and the graph shows the amount of water at each given moment.

Sometimes graphs seem complicated, but if we understand how they work, we will see that, in reality, they are very simple. A graph is just a way to show a lot of information at once.

We have several basic types of graphs. In this article, we will get to know the continuous graph, learn how to read it, and how to draw it.

Every graph is composed of two axes: the $X$ axis and the $Y$ axis. The $X$ axis is the horizontal one (we can imagine it as the floor of the graph). In this graph, the $X$ axis will indicate the time. That is, as we move along the $X$ axis, the time will advance. For example, you can identify where the $12:00$ mark is, then (to its right), the $13:00$ mark, and so on.

The $Y$ axis is the vertical one (we can imagine it as the wall of the graph). In this case, it represents the amount of water in liters that is in the pool at each moment.

With the two axes, this graph describes the amount of water in the pool as the hours pass. That is, the pool is being filled with water over time, and the graph shows the amount of water at each given moment.

Try to deduce:

1. How many liters were in the pool at $12:00$?
2. When were there exactly $300$ liters in the pool?
3. How much water was in the pool at $14:30$?

Let's answer the questions:

1.To understand how much water was in the pool at $12:00$ sharp, we will look on the $X$ axis where the $12:00$ mark is, then, we will see where the graph is on the $X$ axis at that time. In this case, we can see that, at $12:00$ there were $0$ liters of water in the pool. That is, at that time they began to fill it.

2.To find out when there were exactly $300$ liters in the pool we will look on the $Y$ axis for the mark that indicates 300 liters. We can even place our finger on that point on the $Y$ axis. Then we will start moving to the right along the $X$ axis (moving our finger) until we meet the graph. We will realize that the meeting point with the graph is exactly above the $15:00$ mark (indicated in the following graph). That is, at $15:00$ sharp there were $300$ liters of water in the pool exactly.

3.The question asked was how much water was in the pool at $14:30$? The time $14:30$ does not appear on the graph, but we know that it is exactly in the middle between $14:00$ and $15:00$. Clearly, we can deduce where the $14:30$ mark would be seen on the $X$ axis.

Now we can find out how much water was in the pool at that time: let's see where the graph is in relation to the $Y$ axis exactly at the time $14:30$.

That is, at $14:30$ there were exactly $200$ liters of water in the pool.

In the previous article, we discussed the topic of discrete graphs. In the recent example and in those that follow, we see cases of continuous graphs. What do we mean when we write about a continuous graph?

A continuous graph is a linear graph that describes numerical continuity on the horizontal axis $X$. For example, water filling a pool (the example just seen). The meaning of the word "continuous" is that it has no interruptions, that is, there is a continuity of data. Therefore, we will be able to deduce exactly how much water is in the pool at any given time.

A car leaves at $7:00$ from Madrid to Barcelona. Upon arrival, it stops. The graph describes the distance traveled by the car from its starting point.

1. How far is the car from Madrid at $10:00$?
2. How far is the car from Madrid at $11:30$?
3. What time did the car reach its destination?

Solution:

1.To find out the distance between the car and Madrid at $10:00$ we must find the hour $10:00$ on the $X$ axis, then we will see where the graph of the function is in relation to that hour on the $Y$ axis. In this case, the car is exactly $30 km$ away from Madrid

2.The hour $11:30$ is not shown on the graph, but we know it is exactly in the middle between $11:00$ and $12:00$. We can locate the precise place and find out where the graph is drawn, right at this point, in relation to the $Y$ axis. We deduce that the car is exactly $50 km$ away from Madrid. This deduction is possible because the graph is continuous.

3.What time did the car reach its destination? The arrival time is not explicitly written, however, it has been explained that the car stopped upon arrival. That is, from a certain hour the distance between the car and Madrid should be fixed.

By observing the graph, we will see that, from $12:00$ the car remains at a constant distance from Madrid, $60 km$. That is, that is the hour at which the car arrived at its destination and stopped. It can be seen that also at $13:00$ and at $12:00$ the car is still $60 km$ away from Madrid.

If you are interested in more information about "graphs" you can find detailed information in the following articles:

Data Collection and Organization - Statistical Research

Reading Information from Graphs

Graph

Discrete Graph

Graphical Representation of a Function

In the blog of Tutorela you will find a variety of articles with interesting explanations about mathematics