Trapezoidal Graphs

            A trapezoidal graph is a type of graph using vertical line segments, and line segments connecting their ends together to form trapezoids.  Trapezoidal graphs are configured in respect to the relationship between x and y, where x is the independent variable, and y is the dependent variable.

            In a trapezoidal graph, the slope indicates the rate of change in y from x1 to x2, then from x2 to x3, and so on.  The change in slope, when you are using a change in the y value of x due to a constant, tells whether in the next transition the y value of x will change.

            The areas of the trapezoids represent the amount of y, which happens between x1 and x2, then x2 and x3, and so on.

            Trapezoidal graphs are usually used in rate problems.  Such rate problems would be rate of velocity with respect to time.  In this case, the slope would be the rate of change in velocity, and area represents total distance traveled.