Dependent variable vs name of function - Revision history

Riegler: -typo

2025-11-21T17:55:45Z

-typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 21 November 2025
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	# Start by describing the bottleneck in the Section '''Description of Bottleneck'''. If you like you can orient yourself on the bottleneck description [[From Derivative to Proportionality]]. If you feel able to turn the bottleneck into a (positive) learning outcome, please do also describe the intended learning outcome.
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	==Description of bottleneck==		==Description of bottleneck==
	In mathematics and in particual in the STEM disciplines one often does not symbolically distinguish the name of a function and its dependent variable.		In mathematics and in particual in the STEM disciplines one often does not symbolically distinguish the name of a function and its dependent variable.
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	For example, the time dependence (independent variable, symbolized by <math>t</math>) of an electrical charge <math>q</math> (dependent variable, symbolized by <math>q</math>) might be described by a certain function <math>f(t)</math>, ''i.e.'' <math>q = f(t)</math>. Here different symbols have been used for the dependent variable <math>q</math> and the functional relationship <math>f</math> (between <math>t</math> and <nowiki></q></nowiki>). It is, however, customary to conflate this and to use <math> q</math> to do denote both dependent variable and functional relationship. This results in the using the experession <math>q(t)</math>.		For example, the time dependence (independent variable, symbolized by <math>t</math>) of an electrical charge <math>q</math> (dependent variable, symbolized by <math>q</math>) might be described by a certain function <math>f(t)</math>, ''i.e.'' <math>q = f(t)</math>. Here different symbols have been used for the dependent variable <math>q</math> and the functional relationship <math>f</math> (between <math>t</math> and <nowiki></q></nowiki>). It is, however, customary to conflate this and to use <math> q</math> to do denote both dependent variable and functional relationship. This results in the using the experession <math>q(t)</math>.

	Interestingly this possible [[Bottleneck]] was revealed during an [[Decoding interview]] on students' difficulties with describing piecewise defined functions. The interviewers got confused by ~~interviewees~~ simultaneous usage of a symbol as the independent variable of a function and as the name of the functional relation.		Interestingly this possible [[Bottleneck]] was revealed during an [[Decoding interview]] on students' difficulties with describing piecewise defined functions. The interviewers got confused by interviewee's simultaneous usage of a symbol as the independent variable of a function and as the name of the functional relation.
	==People interested in this bottleneck==		==People interested in this bottleneck==
	Peter Riegler		Peter Riegler

Riegler: Changed categories.

2025-07-07T08:18:47Z

Changed categories.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:18, 7 July 2025
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	[[Category:Bottleneck]]		[[Category:Bottleneck]]
			[[Category:Mathematics]]

Riegler: init

2025-07-07T08:18:36Z

init

New page

{{Hint|text= '''How to use this template'''
# Start by describing the bottleneck in the Section '''Description of Bottleneck'''. If you like you can orient yourself on the bottleneck description [[From Derivative to Proportionality]]. If you feel able to turn the bottleneck into a (positive) learning outcome, please do also describe the intended learning outcome.
# This wiki also serves to connect people interested in certain bottlenecks. If you wish to make yourself known as interested, fill in your name under '''People interested in this Bottleneck'''.
# When done editing, save page.
# When in reading mode, add suitable tags/categories by pressing the tag symbol on the top of the page. For instance, if the bottleneck is in connection to biology, add "biology" as a tag.
# Edit once again and delete the whole Section '''How to use this Template''' and save your changes.
}}

==Description of bottleneck==
In mathematics and in particual in the STEM disciplines one often does not symbolically distinguish the name of a function and its dependent variable.

For example, the time dependence (independent variable, symbolized by <math>t</math>) of an electrical charge <math>q</math> (dependent variable, symbolized by <math>q</math>) might be described by a certain function <math>f(t)</math>, ''i.e.'' <math>q = f(t)</math>. Here different symbols have been used for the dependent variable <math>q</math> and the functional relationship <math>f</math> (between <math>t</math> and <nowiki></q></nowiki>). It is, however, customary to conflate this and to use <math> q</math> to do denote both dependent variable and functional relationship. This results in the using the experession <math>q(t)</math>.

Interestingly this possible [[Bottleneck]] was revealed during an [[Decoding interview]] on students' difficulties with describing piecewise defined functions. The interviewers got confused by interviewees simultaneous usage of a symbol as the independent variable of a function and as the name of the functional relation.
==People interested in this bottleneck==
Peter Riegler

[[Category:Bottleneck]]