Discussion: Topic and Variables

This unit's discussion board will start a project that we will come back to each week. So make sure you communicate well with your instructor and select a topic that will work.

For the project you will select a topic and gather information. Using a spreadsheet to help you, you will use algebra to analyze that information and make some predictions.

A good start will be very beneficial. The topic you select is extremely open ended and can apply to real life. Pick something within your major or just pick something you enjoy.

You need to pick two variables that are related to one another and collect data about each of them. Say to yourself "As _____ goes up/down, then it will cause ______ to go up/down."

However, there are some essential rules for your variables:

• Pick something that is measurable! Students run into problems when they pick something like "low, medium, and high." Avoid choosing something like hours of sleep vs. happiness. There is no way to measure happiness.

• You need to measure the variables. There are multiple ways you can collect your data: you can perform an experiment yourself, or you can find data on the Internet. Collecting the data yourself means you need to have all instruments necessary. Measuring water pressure coming out of a pipe means you need something to measure that pressure.

• You should not have intervals. A data point cannot be a range of GPAs from 1.6 to 3.8. Your data must have single values.

• The variables must be related. Say that we tested 37 students and the average score was an 86. Do you think that testing 41 students would have an effect on the average score? It isn't likely that one would affect the other..

Here are some good examples of variables that may be related:

• How is the amount of time spent exercising related to weight loss?

• How is the number of years spent in school related to salary?

• How is the speed limit related to the number of highway fatalities?

For this initial post:

• State your topic.

• Define what your variables are and how you expect they will affect one another.

• Show your data in an x-y table format. Make sure the data follows the rules above.

Unit Discussion: Build a Function

The tables and equations we use in mathematics are not just arbitrary symbols and variables used to stress out students. They have applications that can be used in our daily lives.

Using the data we collected in the previous unit, you will make and interpret an equation in this unit.

You will use the first two points to create a linear equation. Look at the example provided last week:

In this discussion, you will use an Excel spreadsheet with formulas to help you build a function. This Build-a-Function graphing tool will provide the slope-intercept form of the equation. You will graph the line through the sets of your data points.

In your initial post, please complete the following:

1. Click Build a Function to download the graphing tool.

2. Enter the data points in sets of two.

3. Post the slope-intercept form of the equation for your data.

4. Explain how you determined the slope from the two data points.

5. Post the equation that results from your data in the form of a function.

6. Looking at the spreadsheet, what does it predict your third value will be? What does this suggest to you?

When you respond to your classmates, offer your opinion of what you see in their data. Avoid simple "good jobs" or "I like it". Try to offer help or ask questions. If you see mistakes, please help your classmates out. If you have any questions, then use this as an opportunity to ask for help. Make sure you ask your instructor for help as well.

Attachment:- buildafunction.xlsx