When you study algebra, you see relationships in the form of graphs, tables, and equations. These relationships connect independ
ent variables with dependent variables. You probably also use the word relationship in your own life. Compare what the word relationship means in algebra and what it means in your life. How are the meanings similar, and how are they different?
Assume x (variable) is the number of hours worked and assume THAT THE RATE PER HOUR IS $10, then: If you work x hours at the hourly rate of$10, you will generate an income, say, y that is equal the number of hours worked by the rate per hour, that is:
y = 10.x. The more hour(x) you work, the more income(y) you get. Hence we created a relationship between y and x , or in English, between the earning and the number of hours worked. Moreover y depends on x, if there is no x, there is no y and if x increases, y increases. However x is an INDEPENDENT variable because you can give to x any number & y will follow
