SUVAT equations practice questions

The SUVAT equations describe motion under constant acceleration, linking displacement, initial and final velocity, acceleration and time. List your known values, choose the equation with your three knowns and one unknown, and watch the signs. Using v squared equals u squared plus 2as often avoids needing time.

The SUVAT equations describe motion under constant acceleration, where s is displacement, u initial velocity, v final velocity, a acceleration and t time. Knowing which equation to reach for is most of the skill.

The method, step by step

1. List what you know. Write out s, u, v, a and t, marking the unknowns.
2. Pick the equation. Choose the one containing your three knowns and the single unknown.
3. Watch the signs. Deceleration is negative acceleration, and direction matters.
4. Check the units. Metres and seconds throughout, unless told otherwise.

Worked example

Common mistakes

Practise this every day

MathsDaily gives you twenty fresh questions a day across the whole curriculum, with new numbers generated every morning. Questions on this topic appear regularly in the daily set, alongside a plain-English tip and a video link if you get stuck.

Related topics