Dependent and independent variables

Dependent and independent variables
Description
Exercise Name:	Dependent and independent variables
Math Missions:	6th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Algebra I Math Mission, Mathematics II Math Mission
Types of Problems:	4

The Dependent and independent variables exercise is located in the 6th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Algebra I Math Mission and Mathematics II Math Mission. This exercise provides practice with the concepts of dependent and independent variables.

Types of Problems

There are four types of problems in this exercise:

1. Use the information to solve the problem: This problem describes a situation and may provide an equation, chart or graph to assist understanding. A question is asked and the user is asked to find the correct solution and write it in the space provided.

   

   Use the information to solve the problem

2. Identify independent and dependent variables: This problem provides a word problem and possibly a graph, or chart of the information. The user is asked to identify the independent and dependent variables and possibly answer other related questions.

   

   Identify independent and dependent variables

3. Find equation and fill chart: This problem describes a situation and asks the user to accomplish two tasks. Write an equation that models the situation and fill in chart correctly with that equation.

   

   Find equation and fill chart

4. Plot points: This problem gives a word problem and a chart with dots that can be moved. The user is asked to move the dots to the appropriate places on the graph as described by the situation.

   

   Plot points

Strategies

To attain accuracy badges the user needs to know what the words independent and dependent mean in the context of functions. The speed badges are fair because timing tolerances are reasonably set.

1. The independent variable, often represented by ${x}$, is the variable that is not controlled in a situation. The value of the other variable "depends" on the value of this variable.
2. The dependent variable, often represented by ${y}$, can be thought of as the final result of a word problem.
3. When an equation is written in a problem it can be used as long as care is taken to realize which variables represent which amounts.
4. The problem descriptions span several problem types, so it is possible to use information from certain problems on other problems.

Real-life Applications

1. Data and statistics appear in news reports and in the media every day.
2. Many of the problems in this exercise could be viewed as real-life applications.
3. Statistics can be seen more frequently than calculus in everyday life.