Question

on a velocity-time graph who can you tell a person goes backwards

Answer 1

If you consider forward as the positive direction, as many people probably would... then what sign would the backwards direction be?

Answer 2

If this just confused you, I'm sorry! I want to make a small point, though, that signs often matter in physics.

Answer 3

negative

Answer 4

Right! So if the velocity is backwards, it is considered negative. So if you see that the velocity is negative, the velocity is backwards :)

Answer 5

Oh, I guess I should also say...
If the velocity is backwards, then you'll see that the velocity is negative!