6.6.A
The Standard
identify independent and dependent quantities from tables and graphs
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide which quantity is chosen or changed first and which quantity changes in response. They use table headings, graph axes, units, and context to justify their choices.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can label both quantities and state the relationship, such as total cost depends on gallons purchased. The student uses the situation, table headings, graph axes, and units as evidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume the first table column or horizontal axis is always independent without reading the context. They may also reverse the relationship when writing which quantity depends on the other.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A graph shows gallons of gas on the horizontal axis and total cost on the vertical axis. Identify each quantity and explain using “depends on.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Pour one, two, then three cups of water into a clear container, record water height, and identify which quantity drives the change.
Ask students to explain in writing which depends on which: movie tickets purchased or total price paid.
Give pairs six table and graph cards to sort into independent and dependent quantity pairs, then check each other’s reasoning.
Use a phone plan graph showing data used and monthly cost, then have students label and explain the two quantities.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 6.6.B
write an equation that represents the relationship between independent and dependent quantities from a table
- 8.4.C
use data from a table or graph to determine the rate of change or slope and y-intercept in mathematical and real-world problems
- 7.6.G
solve problems using data represented in bar graphs, dot plots, and circle graphs, including part-to-whole and part-to-part comparisons and equivalents;
- 2.10.D
draw conclusions and make predictions from information in a graph
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.