Dependent and IndependentVariables Explained

Mr. Bushey

You’re right! It Depends…

2 + ____ =__?__

What does this problem equal?

Did you know that if you can add 1+1 then you can learn today’s lesson about

variables?

Ok…here it goes!

1+1= 2So, I guess you’re ready!

2+2=4

2+4=6

2+50=52

2+2=4

2+4=6

2+50=52

In every example, we changed one number…

…and it affected the answer!

Therefore, the answer depended on the number we changed!

Simple, but try it!

10+__=__

10+__=__

10+__=__Fill in the above problems to make 3 true math sentences.

Variables are used in Math and Science!

A variable is… something that can be changed.In our math problems, the numbers we changed were called variables.

2+2=4

A constant is… something that does not change.In our math problems, the number we decided not to change could be called a constant.

In math problems we use independent and dependent variables!

2+2=4

Constant(It stayed the same)

Independent variable(The one number we changed)

Dependent variable(The number that depended on the independent variable)

PRACTICE 1

Circle the right option whether if it is Constant (C) Dependent (D) or Independent (I) Variable

• 1. 5 + ? =___ C D I• 2. ? + 4=____ C D I• 3. 5? + ___ =__ C D I • 4. 6 x ___= ? C D I• 5. 4 – 3?= ___ C D I• 6. 8 + ? =___ C D I• 7. 15 + ___=__?__ C D I• 8. 2 + ___=__?__ C D I• 9. ? x 9 =____ C D I• 10. 8? + ___=____ C D I

PRACTICE 2

Activity

DEPENDENT INDEPENDENT

Classify the following statements into dependent and independent variables.

Statements

• How far you can drive //The amount of gas you have• The number of assignments you turned in // Your math grade• How much money you earn // The hours you work• How many miles you went over the speed limit // Cost of a

speeding ticket • How fast you drive // Time it takes to drive somewhere • Who scores more points // Result of a football game • Temperature //How much air conditioning you use • Total calories and fat // Number of cookies• How much education you have // Opportunities for high-paying

jobs • Time for watching TV// Homework assigned.