Speed, Distance and Time

This lesson covers the relationship between speed, distance and time as required by AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy (8464), section 6.5.2. You will learn the key equation, how to rearrange it, typical speeds for everyday situations, and how to interpret distance-time graphs.

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The Speed Equation

The equation linking speed, distance and time is:

$s = \frac{d}{t}$s=td​

Where:

• s = speed (m/s)
• d = distance (m)
• t = time (s)

This equation is on the AQA equation sheet, but you should know it from memory.

Rearranging the Equation

To find	Rearranged equation
Speed	$s = d / t$s=d/t
Distance	$d = s \times t$d=s×t
Time	$t = d / s$t=d/s

Exam Tip: Use the formula triangle to help rearrange. Place d on top, and s and t on the bottom. Cover the quantity you want to find — the remaining two tell you what to do.

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Typical Speeds

AQA expects you to know typical values for everyday speeds.