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.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.CP.A.5

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the variable that is measured and affected in an experiment, changing in response to 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.

Tags

CCSS.6.SP.B.4

CCSS.HSS.ID.A.1

Front

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

Back

The dependent variable is plotted on the y-axis.

Front

What does it mean if a variable is 'controlled'?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of an independent variable in a study measuring plant growth based on sunlight exposure.

Back

The amount of sunlight exposure (e.g., hours of sunlight) is the independent variable.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

Front

Give an example of a dependent variable in a study measuring plant growth based on sunlight exposure.

Back

The growth of the plant (e.g., height or number of leaves) is the dependent 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 determine how changes in one affect the other.

Front

In a graph, what does the y-axis represent?

Back

The y-axis represents the dependent variable.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

Front

In a graph, what does the x-axis represent?

Back

The x-axis represents the independent variable.

Tags

CCSS.8.F.A.1

CCSS.HSF.IF.B.5