Question

which graph could represent a car that begins by increasing its speed, then travels at a constant speed, and then decreases its speed, as time increases? speed (miles per minute) time (minutes)

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze speed - time relationship

When speed is increasing, the graph of speed vs time has a positive - slope.

Step2: Analyze constant - speed case

When speed is constant, the graph of speed vs time is a horizontal line (slope = 0).

Step3: Analyze decreasing - speed case

When speed is decreasing, the graph of speed vs time has a negative - slope.
The given graph (the trapezoid - shaped one) has an upward - sloping part (increasing speed), a horizontal part (constant speed), and a downward - sloping part (decreasing speed).

Answer:

The graph with an upward - sloping part first, then a horizontal part, and then a downward - sloping part.