Choose the graph that best represents the following:
An aircraft's speed (Y) during landing as a function of time (X).
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Choose the graph that best represents the following:
An aircraft's speed (Y) during landing as a function of time (X).
The speed of the airplane decreases until it reaches the ground and stops (reaches 0).
Therefore, the graph will be descending until it reaches 0.
The graph shown in answer A is correct.
Is the function in the graph decreasing?
When an aircraft lands, it must come to a complete stop on the runway. This means the speed goes from a high landing approach speed down to zero when it's parked.
Aircraft don't slow down at a constant rate - they slow down more gradually at first, then more quickly. This creates a curved line rather than a straight diagonal.
An upward graph would mean the aircraft is speeding up during landing, which is dangerous and incorrect! Landing always involves slowing down, so the graph must go downward.
Think about real landing: planes slow down gradually at first (gentle curve), then brake harder near the end (steeper curve). The curve should be concave up (like a smile turned upside down).
The exact starting speed doesn't matter - what matters is the overall pattern: starting at some positive speed and decreasing to zero. Focus on the direction and shape, not specific numbers.
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