how to calculate area under graph when line is curved

its a common graph with increasing/decreasing curves, (e.g. in kinematics) and with some questions in order to get the correct answer we must calcualte the area under the curve but how do we do this...??!

Count squares, thats what my teacher says, unless you know the equation then you could integrate i suppose but we don't do that in physics.

Or you could cut out the area of the curve from the paper and measure its mass. Then using the same type of paper, cut out a 1cm² and measure its mass. Then using the ratios, you can calculate the area under the curve.

i cant imagine doin that in the exam

my teacher said count squares (including 1/2 squares) and the multiply by the value of 1 square, which is the value 1 sq on the x-axis * value of 1 sq on y-axis

hope that helps

Lol, but if a question is suggest how the area may be calculated, that method is a legitimate one!

you can draw aline that makes a tringle so that you cut of same area and the area you let in and then use 1/2 bh to find the area or count squars and multiply them with the area they write that in the mark scheme

Methods for physics:
Accurate method = count squares, work out what each square is worth => no.of squares x the value of each square
Method 2 = make trapeziums and triangles and add the area up.
Can't integrate with physics, you wont get no method marks.

Methods for physics:
Accurate method = count squares, work out what each square is worth => no.of squares x the value of each square
Method 2 = make trapeziums and triangles and add the area up.
Can't integrate with physics, you wont get no method marks.