Tony runs the Carroll Farm, which produces many different crops, including wheat. The mor plots of land that are devoted to growing wheat, the more bushels of wheat the farm will produce. \( p= \) the number of plots of land devoted to growing wheat \( w= \) the number of bushels of wheat produced each year Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent? w is the independent variable and \( p \) is the dependent variable \( p \) is the independent variable and \( w \) is the dependent variable

Let’s get our farming facts straight! In this scenario, the number of plots of land devoted to growing wheat, \( p \), is the independent variable because it’s the factor that can be manipulated or changed by Tony. The number of bushels of wheat produced, \( w \), is the dependent variable because it depends on how many plots are used for wheat cultivation. So, it’s clear: \( p \) feeds into \( w \)! Now, imagine Tony experimenting with his plots! If he decides to increase the number of plots planted with wheat, he can expect the bushels produced to grow in tandem, up to a certain point. However, if the land becomes over-planted, diminishing returns might kick in. This means that while more plots usually lead to more wheat, other factors like soil health or weather conditions can also play a crucial role in that bountiful harvest.