Displacement
What Displacement means in Mathematics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Displacement
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Displacement in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
The signed area under a velocity-time graph, so negative velocity means motion in the opposite direction.
Signed change in position in a chosen direction, rather than total path length.
Topics that use Displacement
- Graphs (AQA GCSE)
- Algebra - Graphs (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Asymptote
- Asymptotes
- completing the square
- coordinate plane
- Distance travelled
- Gradient
- Parallel lines
- perpendicular lines
Using Displacement in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Mathematics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge