Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Definition: In calculus, y = g(t) represents a function where the value of y depends on the value of t. It is a way to express how one quantity changes with respect to another.
Related terms
- Dependent variables: These are variables that depend on other variables for their values. In this case, y is the dependent variable because its value depends on the value of t.
- Independent variable: This is a variable that stands alone and does not depend on any other variable for its value. In this case, t is the independent variable because its value can be chosen freely without depending on any other variable.
- Function: A function is a relationship between two sets of numbers, where each input (independent variable) corresponds to exactly one output (dependent variable). The equation y = g(t) represents a function because for every value of t, there is only one corresponding value of y.