Introduction to Functions

Independent vs Dependent Variables

The student understands that a function represents

a dependence of one quantity on another and can
be described in a variety of ways. The student uses
the properties and attributes of functions.

Common Core Math Standards

 CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.C.9 Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world

problem that change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one
quantity, thought of as the dependent variable, in terms of the other quantity, thought of
as the independent variable. Analyze the relationship between the dependent and
independent variables using graphs and tables, and relate these to the equation. For
example, in a problem involving motion at constant speed, list and graph ordered pairs of
distances and times, and write the equation d = 65t to represent the relationship between
distance and time.

 CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.1 Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input

exactly one output. The graph of a function is the set of ordered pairs consisting of an
input and the corresponding output.

 CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-IF.A.1 Understand that a function from one set (called the

domain) to another set (called the range) assigns to each element of the domain exactly
one element of the range. If f is a function and x is an element of its domain, then f(x)
denotes the output of f corresponding to the input x. The graph of f is the graph of the
equation y = f(x).

Vocabulary

 Function  Domain
 Independent Variable  Range
 Dependent Variable  x
 Input  f(x)
 Output

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Work with a partner. Cut the cards apart. Determine which statements represent
dependent variables and which represent independent variables. Find the pairs that
match. Complete this sentence for each pair: “__________ depends on __________.”

Independent Variable Pounds of fruit

Dependent Variable Number of hours at the beach

Domain Number of paint cans

Range Score of football game

The number of touchdowns Number of bicep curls you do daily

Cost of a ticket How much math you master

Grades on your test How fast you were driving

Weight of patient Battery life

Cost to rent umbrella Cell phone bill

Number of minutes used Amount of cough syrup

Surface area of fence Output

Cost of fruit Input

How much weight you can lift f(x)

Number of hours the “on” switch is

x
activated

© CHickman (Algebra’s Friend), 2013

Check for Understanding
In each of the following situations, identify the independent and dependent
variables.

1. The Lower Colorado River Authority measures the height of the lake after each rain.

____________________ depends on _____________________.

Dependent variable _________________________________________

Independent variable ________________________________________

2. Before my dad takes a trip, he checks his gas tank to calculate how many miles he can drive.

____________________ depends on _____________________.

Dependent variable _________________________________________

Independent variable ________________________________________

3. The teacher estimates the number of minutes a student will spend on homework when deciding
how many problems to assign.

____________________ depends on _____________________.

Dependent variable _________________________________________

Independent variable ________________________________________

4. The student checks the length of her essay before deciding how much paper to borrow.

____________________ depends on _____________________.

Dependent variable _________________________________________

Independent variable ________________________________________

5. The senior is saving money for her graduation trip. She estimates how much money she will
make next week when her boss posts her hours.

____________________ depends on _____________________.

Dependent variable _________________________________________

Independent variable ________________________________________

© CHickman (Algebra’s Friend), 2013

KEY

Dependent Independent

Dependent Variable Independent Variable

Range Domain

Ouput Input

f(x) x

Number of hours the “on” switch is

Battery Life
activated

Score of football game The number of touchdowns

Cost of a ticket How fast you were driving

Grades on your test How much math you master

Cell phone bill Number of minutes used

Amount of cough syrup Weight of patient

Number of paint cans Surface area of fence

Cost of fruit Pounds of fruit

How much weight you can lift Number of bicep curls you do daily

Cost to rent umbrella Number of hours at the beach

© CHickman (Algebra’s Friend), 2013

Check for Understanding KEY
In each of the following situations, identify the independent and dependent
variables.

1. The Lower Colorado River Authority measures the height of the lake after each rain.

Height of lake depends on amount of rain

Dependent variable: Height of lake

Independent variable: Amount of rain

2. Before my dad takes a trip, he checks his gas tank to calculate how many miles he can drive.

Number of miles depends on amount of gas in tank

Dependent variable: Number of miles

Independent variable: Amount of gas in tank

3. The teacher estimates the number of minutes a student will spend on homework when deciding
how many problems to assign.

Number of minutes spent on homework depends on number of problems assigned

Dependent variable: Number of minute spent on homework

Independent variable: Number of problems assigned

4. The student checks the length of her essay before deciding how much paper to borrow.

How much paper to borrow depends on the length of essay

Dependent variable: How much paper to borrow

Independent variable: Length of essay

5. The senior is saving money for her graduation trip. She estimates how much money she will
make next week when her boss posts her hours.

Amount of money earned depends on number of hours at work

Dependent variable: Amount of money earned

Independent variable: Number of hours at work

© CHickman (Algebra’s Friend), 2013

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