Independent and Dependent Variables in Real World Math

A vacationer has $300 to spend over the next 20 days. The first two days, she spends $20 on food each day. She visits with a family member for the next four days and does not spend any money. She then spends $20 on transportation on each of the remaining days until she spends all of her money. The independent variable in this scenario is _________

A vacationer has $300 to spend over the next 20 days. The first two days, she spends $20 on food each day. She visits with a family member for the next four days and does not spend any money. She then spends $20 on transportation on each of the remaining days until she spends all of her money. The dependent variable in this scenario is _________

A city discovers that its population has been tripling every year. The independent variable in this scenario is __________

A city discovers that its population has been tripling every year. The dependent variable in this scenario is __________

Sarah is bringing treats to her elementary school class on her birthday. The number of treats she brings in is based on the number of students in her class.
t = the number of treats
s = the number of students
Which of the variables is independent?

• s = the number of students

• t = the number of treats

Identify the independent variable

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

• hours, h

• money, m

Identify the independent variable

The pages p, in a book and the weight, w, of the book

• p

• w

Identify the independent variable

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

• h

• s

The number of oranges in a bag and the cost of the bag of oranges are related. What is the independent variable in this relationship?

• The number of oranges in the bag

• The cost of the bag