Question

example 2.1.3: height vs. age for males aged 2 to 20.
the following scatter plot shows the median height for u.s. males aged 2 to 20 years.

participation
activity 2.1.2: independent and dependent variables.

1. a dean wishes to know whether increasing faculty may lead to better

rank. the number of faculty is the ____ variable.
○ dependent
○ independent

1. parents and doctors wish to compare a childs height to other

childrens heights of the same age. the height is the ____ variable.
○ dependent
○ independent

1. a news station records temperature and humidity for various days

and then creates a scatter plot to determine if any relationship exists.
is either temperature or humidity an obvious independent variable?
○ yes
○ no

1. for the above scatter plot of male height, at about what age do

males start growing slower?
○ 16
○ 12

Explanation:

1. The number of faculty is the variable being changed to test its effect on rank, so it is independent.
2. Height is being measured based on the fixed age group, so it is dependent.
3. Neither temperature nor humidity clearly drives the other; there is no obvious independent variable.
4. Observing the scatter plot, the slope of height increase becomes much smaller after age 16, indicating slower growth.

Answer:

1. B. independent
2. A. dependent
3. B. No
4. A. 16