Which of the following choices accurately identifies the independent variable(s) in the equation d = 50t + 20?
Understand the Problem
The question asks which variable is independent in the equation d = 50t + 20, identifying the correct variable among the given options.
Answer
The independent variable is $t$.
Answer for screen readers
The independent variable in the equation $d = 50t + 20$ is $t$.
Steps to Solve
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Identify the Variables in the Equation
The equation given is $d = 50t + 20$. Here, $d$ represents distance and $t$ represents time. -
Determine the Independent Variable
The independent variable is the one that you can control or manipulate. In this equation, $t$ (time) is the independent variable because you can change time to see how it affects distance ($d$). -
Recognize the Dependent Variable
The dependent variable, $d$, changes in response to the independent variable ($t$). As you change $t$, the value of $d$ will also change according to the equation.
The independent variable in the equation $d = 50t + 20$ is $t$.
More Information
In this equation, you can think of $t$ as something you can adjust. The distance $d$ will then depend on the value of $t$. This relationship is often found in linear equations, where one variable affects another.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse independent and dependent variables. Some students may incorrectly choose $d$ as the independent variable, thinking that it determines $t$. Remember, the independent variable is what you control, while the dependent variable responds to changes in the independent variable.
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