Swimming pace charts maths challenge

Quick answer

Swimming pace charts help you work out how long it takes to swim different distances by dividing the total time by the number of lengths you swim.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use division to work out how long it takes to swim each length of a pool using a pace chart.

• You can read a swimming pace chart and find the time for one length
• You can divide the total time by the number of lengths to find the pace per length
• You can compare different swimming times using division
• You can use your results to improve your swimming

Why this matters

Swimming pace charts are like road maps for swimmers. They help you know how fast you should go to finish a race on time. When you understand how to read them, you can plan your training, set goals, and even beat your own times!

Division helps you work out how much time you have for each length. This is useful not just for swimming, but for many other activities like cooking, sharing toys, or planning a journey.

Learning to read pace charts builds your confidence in maths and helps you make smart choices about your fitness and health.

How it works

Swimming pace charts show how long it takes to swim a certain distance. They help swimmers plan their training or races.

Here's how to read them:

1. Look at the total distance you're swimming
2. Find the total time it took you
3. Count how many lengths you swam
4. Divide the total time by the number of lengths
5. Each length should take that much time

For example, if you swim 100 metres in 2 minutes and you swam 10 lengths, you divide 2 minutes by 10 lengths to find that each length took 12 seconds.

Examples you can see

Let's look at some real swimming pace charts:

Example 1: Sarah swims 100 metres in 2 minutes 20 seconds. She swims 10 lengths. How long does each length take?

Step 1: Convert 2 minutes 20 seconds to seconds: 2 × 60 + 20 = 140 seconds

Step 2: Divide 140 by 10 lengths: 140 ÷ 10 = 14 seconds

Each length takes 14 seconds.

Example 2: Tom swims 200 metres in 5 minutes 30 seconds. He swims 20 lengths. How long does each length take?

Step 1: Convert 5 minutes 30 seconds to seconds: 5 × 60 + 30 = 330 seconds

Step 2: Divide 330 by 20 lengths: 330 ÷ 20 = 16.5 seconds

Each length takes 16.5 seconds.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Speedy Swimmer Challenge!

You are a swimmer training for a race. Your coach gives you a pace chart and asks you to find out how fast you're swimming. Here's your mission:

1st time: You swim 50 metres in 1 minute 10 seconds. You swam 5 lengths. How long did each length take?

2nd time: You swim 100 metres in 2 minutes 20 seconds. You swam 10 lengths. How long did each length take?

3rd time: You swim 200 metres in 5 minutes 30 seconds. You swam 20 lengths. How long did each length take?

4th time: You want to swim 400 metres in 10 minutes. You swim 40 lengths. How long does each length take?

5th time: You want to beat your time from the 4th time. You swim 400 metres in 9 minutes 30 seconds. How long does each length take?

6th time: You want to swim 100 metres in 1 minute 30 seconds. You swim 10 lengths. How long does each length take?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Forgetting to convert minutes to seconds before dividing
• Why it happens: Children often think that 2 minutes 20 seconds is the same as 2.2 seconds
• Fix: Always convert everything to seconds first: 2 minutes = 2 × 60 = 120 seconds, then 120 + 20 = 140 seconds
• Mistake: Dividing the number of lengths by the total time instead of the other way around
• Why it happens: Confusion about which number goes where in division
• Fix: Remember: Total time ÷ Number of lengths = Time per length
• Mistake: Not checking if the answer makes sense
• Why it happens: Not thinking about whether 14 seconds per length is reasonable
• Fix: Ask yourself: "Does this make sense?" If you swim 100 metres in 2 minutes, 14 seconds per length is reasonable

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with swimming pace charts is easy and fun! Here's how you can support them:

• Start by asking your child to explain what they've learned about swimming pace charts
• Use real examples from your own swimming or watching swimming
• Encourage them to check their answers by multiplying the time per length by the number of lengths
• Ask them to explain why division helps in swimming
• Let them create their own pace chart for a swim they do at home
• Be patient if they make mistakes - they're learning!
• Remember that 1 minute = 60 seconds, so 2 minutes = 120 seconds
• Ask them to estimate first, then calculate to check their answer
• Make it a game by timing different lengths and seeing if they can improve

Don't worry if they don't get it right away - swimming pace charts take practice!

Practice questions

1. Lucy swims 50 metres in 1 minute 10 seconds. She swam 5 lengths. How long did each length take?
2. Tom swims 100 metres in 2 minutes 10 seconds. He swam 10 lengths. How long did each length take?
3. Sarah swims 200 metres in 5 minutes 20 seconds. She swam 20 lengths. How long did each length take?
4. Ben swims 400 metres in 9 minutes 40 seconds. He swam 40 lengths. How long did each length take?
5. Emma swims 100 metres in 1 minute 40 seconds. She swam 10 lengths. How long did each length take?

Answers:

1. 14 seconds
2. 13 seconds
3. 16 seconds
4. 14.5 seconds
5. 16 seconds

FAQ

What is a swimming pace chart?

A swimming pace chart shows how long it takes to swim different distances. It helps swimmers plan their training and races.

Why do I need to know how to read swimming pace charts?

Reading pace charts helps you plan your swimming, track your progress, and set goals for improvement.

How do I convert minutes to seconds?

Multiply the number of minutes by 60. For example, 2 minutes = 2 × 60 = 120 seconds.

Can I use division for other sports?

Yes! You can use division to work out how long each part of a race takes in any sport.

How can I practice this at home?

You can time yourself swimming different lengths and work out how long each one takes using division.