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Inputs and outputs in tables: 6th grade math

Dependent and independent variables. A free 6th grade lesson plan, a question set with answers and a printable sheet with its key. Copy it and make it yours.

Lesson plan

Goal

  • Students can do this: dependent and independent variables.

Teach (10 min)

  • In y = 3x, you choose x (independent) and y follows (dependent).
  • To fill a table, put each x into the rule: when x = 4, y = 3 × 4 = 12.
  • Work one example on the board while students say each step aloud, then do one together.

Practise (15 min)

  • Students work the printable sheet in pairs, then alone.
  • Or practise it as a game with no sign-up: https://peabody.kids/math/expr6.variables?lesson=6-expr6-variables-1&at=6

Exit ticket (5 min)

  • Three questions on a slip:
  • 1. A tap fills 4 liters each minute. The water w in liters after m minutes is w = 4m. Which variable is the dependent variable?
  • 2. A cyclist rides at 4 miles per hour. The distance d in miles after t hours is d = 4t. Which variable is the independent variable?
  • 3. A worker earns $8 an hour. The pay p in dollars after h hours is p = 8h. Which variable is the independent variable?

Question set

3 questions that read in words, easiest first. Questions that need a picture are on the printable sheet below.

  1. A tap fills 4 liters each minute. The water w in liters after m minutes is w = 4m. Which variable is the dependent variable?
  2. A cyclist rides at 4 miles per hour. The distance d in miles after t hours is d = 4t. Which variable is the independent variable?
  3. A worker earns $8 an hour. The pay p in dollars after h hours is p = 8h. Which variable is the independent variable?
Answers
  1. w
  2. t
  3. h

Printable sheet

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

Inputs and outputs in tables (6th grade)

  1. A cyclist rides at 2 miles per hour. The distance d in miles after t hours is d = 2t. Which variable is the dependent variable?
  2. A cyclist rides at 2 miles per hour. The distance d in miles after t hours is d = 2t. Which variable is the dependent variable?
  3. Here is the rule y = 6x. Fill in the table. What is y when x is 4?
    xy162123184?
  4. A cyclist rides at 5 miles per hour. The distance d in miles after t hours is d = 5t. Which variable is the dependent variable?
  5. A tap fills 8 liters each minute. The water w in liters after m minutes is w = 8m. Which variable is the dependent variable?
  6. Here is the rule y = x + 2. Fill in the table. What is y when x is 4?
    xy1324354?
  7. A tap fills 9 liters each minute. The water w in liters after m minutes is w = 9m. Which variable is the independent variable?
  8. A worker earns $3 an hour. The pay p in dollars after h hours is p = 3h. Fill in the table. What is p when h is 4?
    hp13265154?
  9. A worker earns $4 an hour. The pay p in dollars after h hours is p = 4h. Fill in the table. What is p when h is 3?
    hp143123?416
  10. Here is the rule y = 5x + 4. Fill in the table. What is y when x is 2?
    xy192?529424
  11. Here is the rule y = 6x. Fill in the table. What is y when x is 5?
    xy162123184245?
  12. Notebooks cost $6 each. The cost c in dollars of n notebooks is c = 6n. Which variable is the independent variable?
Key
  1. d
  2. d
  3. 24
  4. d
  5. w
  6. 6
  7. m
  8. 12
  9. 12
  10. 14
  11. 30
  12. n

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