Independent vs Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The 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

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured and affected in an experiment. It changes in response to the independent variable.

Front

In a graph, which axis represents the independent variable?

Back

The x-axis represents the independent variable.

Tags

CCSS.8.F.A.1

CCSS.HSF.IF.B.5

Front

In a graph, which axis represents the dependent variable?

Back

The y-axis represents the dependent variable.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

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 how changes in one affect the other.

Front

If you change the amount of sunlight a plant receives, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

Front

If you measure the height of a plant after changing the sunlight, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height of the plant is the dependent variable.

Front

What does it mean if a dependent variable increases as the independent variable increases?

Back

It indicates a positive correlation between the two variables.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Front

What does it mean if a dependent variable decreases as the independent variable increases?

Back

It indicates a negative correlation between the two variables.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Front

Can there be multiple independent variables in an experiment?

Back

Yes, an experiment can have multiple independent variables, but it can complicate the analysis.