Question

Coral reefs and cell phones Identify the explanatory variable and the

response variable for the following relationships, if possible. Explain your reasoning.

a. The weight gain of corals in aquariums where the water temperature is controlled at different levels

b. The number of text messages sent and the number of phone calls made in a sample of $100$students

Short answer

Part (a) Because the temperature of the water affects weight gain.

Part (b) These could be a response or explanatory variables.

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) Step 1: Given information

Cell phones and coral reefs For the following relationships, identify the explanatory variable and the response variable.

Part (a) Step 2: Explanation

The provided variables are the weight gain of corals in aquariums is regulated at various levels, as is the temperature of the water. The explanatory variable is water temperature, and the response variable is weight increase. Because the temperature of the water affects weight gain.

Part (b) Step 1: Explanation

"The number of sent text messages and phone calls sent to the sample of $100$students" is one of the variables offered.

Both variables could be explanatory variables or response variables in this case. Because neither variable is related to the other. As a result, these variables could be both a response and an explanatory variable.