Question

Emma had 5 seashells. Each week she collected 3 more. Let $w$ be the number of weeks Emma collects seashells and $s$ be the total number of seashells she has. Choose the correct statement.

• A. The number of weeks, $w$, is the independent variable, and $s=3w+5$.
• B. The total number of seashells, $s$, is the independent variable, and $s=3w+5$.
• C. The number of weeks, $w$, is the independent variable, and $s=3w–5$.
• D. The total number of seashells, $s$, is the independent variable, and $s=3w–5$.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The number of weeks, $w$, is the independent variable, and $s=3w+5$.

The number of weeks, $w$, is the independent variable. The total number of seashells, $s$, depends on the number of weeks $w$, so it is the dependent variable.
Total number of seashells after $w$ weeks, $s=3w+5$.