Independent and Dependent Variables of Functions

Dependent and Independent Variables

What does it mean for one quantity to depend on another?

Independent Variable:

Causes the dependent variable to change.

Dependent Variable:

Changes in response to another variable.

The height (h) of a plant and the amount of water (w) it receives.

• What is the independent variable?

• What is the dependent variable?

The height (h) of a plant and the amount of water (w) it receives.

• Independent variable - w

• Why?

• Water is the independent variable because it will change the height of the plant by helping it grow.

The height (h) of a plant and the amount of water (w) it receives.

• Dependent variable - h

• Why?

• The height is the dependent variable because the independent variable (water) caused the plant to change (grow).

Now It Is Your Turn!

Ask yourself: What causes (independent variable) and what changes (dependent variable)?

Multiple Select

The pages (p) in a book and the weight (w) of the book

• Independent variable - p

• dependent variable - p

• Independent variable - w

• dependent variable - w

Multiple Select

The pounds (p) pf flour you buy and the number of bread loaves (l) you can make

• Independent variable - l

• Independent variable - p

• Dependent variable - l

• Dependent variable - P

Multiple Select

The number of hamburgers (h) sold and the dollar amount of sales (s) taken in

• Independent variable - s

• Independent variable - h

• Dependent variable - h

• Dependent variable - s

Multiple Select

The temperature (t) of water and the number of minutes (m) the water is in the freezer

• Independent variable - m

• Independent variable - t

• Dependent variable - m

• Dependent variable - t

Multiple Select

The number of hours (h) worked and the amount of money (m) earned

• Independent variable - m

• Independent variable - h

• Dependent variable - h

• Dependent variable -

Poll

How do you feel on solving independent and dependent variables?

• Great!

• So-So.

• Confused?