UAGC Math Independent and Dependent Variable Discussion
There are five parts to this discussion: Read, identify three different variable pairs, create table, create graph, describe in words.
Prepare: Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapter 9: Modeling Our World and Chapter 10: Modeling with Geometry in your course text, especially pages 532-3 & 536-9.
For this discussion, identify three different variable pairs in which two quantities appear to be related from either recent news stories, the web, or that you encounter in your everyday life. Each variable pair should come from a different source (as illustrated in the week 4 Discussion Sample) and there should be three sets of paired variables total.
Important note: Only one of the variables can use “time” as an independent variable. For example, you cannot have your variable pairs be (time, dependent variable 1), (time, dependent variable 2) and (time, dependent variable 3). However, you can have your variable pairs be (time, dependent variable 1), (independent variable 2, dependent variable 2) and (independent variable 3, dependent variable 3).
For inspiration, use the examples listed in the solution to Example 1 on p. 537 of the text, or the Week 4 Discussion Sample 
download, MAT205.W4.DiscussionSample.pdf. Be sure to select different examples!
Create Table
After you have identified three different variable pairs (from distinct sources), make a table of between 10 and 20 entries of data values for each of your variable pairs.
Create Graph
Then, graph your data values for each variable pair and describe in words the function that relates the variables. For each pair, write down at least five (5) points on the graph. Draw the graph using paper & pencil or use an online graphing calculator like Desmos Graphing Calculator (Links to an external site.).
Describe Your Results in Words
For each of the pairs you listed, identify the dependent and independent variables and briefly describe the relationship.
See the week 4 Discussion Sample to see how these go (You must use different examples; you should complete three examples total).
- Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. It should show all the required math work and explain all the steps. Also include a simple reference for any scholarly resource you used. For example: Washington Post dated August 13, 2018 or retrieved from <url-address> or I consulted example 1 on p. 537 of the text.
- Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 4 (Friday), and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Carefully review the Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.
The Easy Way to Plot and Graph Points
Use the Desmos Graphing Calculator (Links to an external site.): (You need not create an account.)
Click on the “+” at the top left corner.
Select “table” from the drop-down menu.
Type in your points. If your point is (2, 30), then x1 is 2 and y1 is 30.
** If your points contain any values beyond ±10, click the minus sign in the upper right-hand corner a few times to zoom out so you can see the points. **
To add a line connecting the points:
Click and hold on the circle with four dots on it (next to y1). Click the circle next to “Lines” to show the connecting line. Your graph is done.
To share the graph, take a screenshot. [This site will show you how: http://www.take-a-screenshot.org/ (Links to an external site.). Click on the tab for Mac or Windows at the top, if needed.] Alternatively, click on the arrow in a box at the upper right hand corner of the screen, then you can “Export Image” as a .png file (it appears in your “Downloads” folder) and attach this to your discussion post or drop and drag into a Word file.
Guided Response: Respond to at least three different peers by Day 7. Give specific thoughtful and substantive responses addressing their points and back up your ideas with references. If you notice classmates forgetting to complete part(s) of the discussion, tactfully encourage them to complete the remaining part(s). Be specific. Give a hint, if possible.
- Have they answered all the questions pertaining to their problem?
- Have they used all the required resources and cited the references correctly?
- Do you understand their answers and agree with their conclusions and viewpoints?
- What are your arguments against their answers?
