Question

The cost of playing pool increases with the amount of time using the table. Identify the independent and dependent quantity in the situation.

a) cost; time using table

b) cost; number of players

c) time using table; cost

d) number of games; cost

Answer 1

c) time using table; cost

Explanation:

An independent quantity is the variable that can be controlled and changed. A dependent quantity is not controlled and is based on the changes to the independent quantity.

First, decide which quantity can be controlled. In this situation, the player gets to choose the amount of time for which they play. This means that the time using the table must be the independent quantity because it is controlled by the player.

The cost cannot be controlled. It is solely based on the amount of time played. This means that the cost is the dependent quantity in this situation.