Final answer:
The independent variable is the original price of the item (x), and the dependent variable is the final price after the discount (y). The equation representing the situation is y = x - 12.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this question, Samantha has a coupon which allows her to save $12 off her next purchase.
The independent variable is the original price of the item before the discount (let's call it x), and the dependent variable is the price that Samantha will pay after applying the coupon (let's call it y).
To create an equation representing this situation, we would subtract the discount ($12) from the original price (x) to find the price Samantha pays (y).
The equation is: y = x - 12
This linear equation shows how the dependent variable (y) depends on the independent variable (x).