DfE statement A14 · Algebra
Real-life graphs and kinematics
Real-life graphs and kinematics is content statement A14 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the algebra area. It is on both tiers, with a Higher-only part, and it appears on both the calculator and the non-calculator papers. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 3 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.
What the specification says
The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Plot and interpret graphs (including reciprocal graphs and exponential graphs) and graphs of non-standard functions in real contexts, to find approximate solutions to problems such as simple kinematic problems involving distance, speed and acceleration." (statement A14). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
Tier
Both tiers, but part of it is Higher only. Foundation covers the statement except for the following, which the DfE prints in bold and reserves for Higher: "and exponential graphs". Everything else in the statement is Foundation content.
Calculator
This turns up on both the non-calculator and the calculator papers, so practise it both ways — the written method for Paper 1 and the efficient calculator route for Papers 2 and 3.
Common mistakes
- Reading a horizontal section of a distance-time graph as travelling back to the start. It means stationary; a return journey slopes back down.
- Reading the gradient as a speed without checking the axis units, so minutes are treated as hours.
- Reading a value off the graph by counting squares rather than using the scale printed on the axis.
Formulae for this statement
Sample questions (10 of 30)
Nearby statements
Questions people ask
Is real-life graphs and kinematics on Foundation or Higher?
Both, but not all of it. The parts the DfE prints in bold — "and exponential graphs" — are Higher only; the rest is Foundation content.
Can I use a calculator for real-life graphs and kinematics?
It depends on the paper. Paper 1 is non-calculator; Papers 2 and 3 allow one, and this topic is asked on both kinds.
What is the single most common mistake here?
Reading a horizontal section of a distance-time graph as travelling back to the start. It means stationary; a return journey slopes back down.
Are these past paper questions?
No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.
Back to Algebra at Foundation or at Higher.