To calculate the total distance covered during the race using the speed-time graph, we need to find the area under the graph. The graph can be divided into three distinct sections corresponding to different time intervals.

Step 1: Calculate the distance for each section

1. First Interval (0 to 8 seconds):

   • This section forms a triangle with a base of 8 seconds and a height of 9.5 m/s.
   • Area of the triangle (distance) = $\frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$
   • $\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 8 \times 9.5 = 38 \, \text{m}$

2. Second Interval (8 to 20 seconds):

   • This section forms a rectangle with a base of 12 seconds and a height of 9.5 m/s.
   • Area of the rectangle (distance) = $\text{base} \times \text{height}$
   • $\text{Area} = 12 \times 9.5 = 114 \, \text{m}$

3. Third Interval (20 to 24 seconds):

   • This section forms a trapezoid with bases of 9.5 m/s and 14.5 m/s and a height of 4 seconds.
   • Area of the trapezoid (distance) = $\frac{1}{2} \times (\text{base}_1 + \text{base}_2) \times \text{height}$
   • $\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (9.5 + 14.5) \times 4 = 48 \, \text{m}$

Step 2: Sum the distances

Total distance covered: $\text{Total Distance} = 38 \, \text{m} + 114 \, \text{m} + 48 \, \text{m} = 200 \, \text{m}$

Final Answer:

The athlete covered a total distance of 200 meters during the race.

If you have any more questions or would like more details on the calculations, feel free to ask! Here are 5 related questions:

1. How would the distance change if the speed in the second interval was different?
2. What is the importance of the area under a speed-time graph in physics?
3. How do you calculate the average speed of the athlete over the entire race?
4. What would the graph look like if the athlete started at a speed greater than 0?
5. Can you determine the exact acceleration in each interval from this graph?

Tip: Always check the units on your axes and in your calculations to ensure accuracy.