Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the variable that is measured and affected in an experiment, depending on the independent variable.

Front

On which axis is the independent variable plotted on a graph?

Back

The independent variable is plotted on the x-axis.

Front

On which axis is the dependent variable plotted on a graph?

Back

The dependent variable is plotted on the y-axis.

Front

In the equation y = 2x, which variable is dependent?

Back

y is the dependent variable.

Front

In the equation y = 2x, which variable is independent?

Back

x is the independent variable.

Front

What does it mean if a variable is 'controlled' in an experiment?

Back

A controlled variable is one that is kept constant to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.

Front

What is the purpose of identifying independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Back

Identifying these variables helps to understand the relationship between them and to analyze the effects of changes.

Front

If you increase the amount of sunlight a plant receives, what type of variable is the amount of sunlight?

Back

The amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

Front

If a plant grows taller with more sunlight, what type of variable is the height of the plant?

Back

The height of the plant is the dependent variable.