Math Is Fun Forum

forest ranger

Guest

parameters and ranges

what is the difference between a parameter and a range?

i thought they were the same but evidently not....

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: parameters and ranges

Hi forest ranger;

Definitions have to be learned the hard way by reading about them, understanding them and then memorizing them. Just like the terminology that you have in your favorite field.

This explains what a parameter is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parameter

The part about y = ax^2 is what you want.

This explains what the range is:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/sets/domain-r … omain.html

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

forest ranger

Guest

Re: parameters and ranges

so are they basically control variables as they are constants that affect the result?

for example, if i was investigating osmosis in potatoes, would temperature be a parameter?

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: parameters and ranges

Hi forest ranger;

What is the formula for potato osmosis? And how do you define a control variable?
Did you understand the y = a*x^2 explanation?
I think it is the simplest way to understand a parameter.
We vary a so we can study a family of curves like y = 3x^2. y = 9x^2, etc.

I thought a control variable is one that remains constant.
Also there are control variables and control parameters. Quite confusing actually.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.