Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An independent variable is a 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 a variable that is measured and affected in an experiment. It depends on the independent variable.

Front

In the equation y = mx + b, which variable is independent?

Back

x is the independent variable.

Front

In the equation y = mx + b, which variable is dependent?

Back

y is the dependent variable.

Front

If the number of hours studied increases, what happens to the test score? Identify the independent and dependent variables.

Back

Independent variable: number of hours studied; Dependent variable: test score.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

In a study measuring how temperature affects plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The temperature is the independent variable.

Front

In a study measuring how temperature affects plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The plant growth is the dependent variable.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Front

If a graph shows time on the x-axis and distance on the y-axis, which variable is independent?

Back

Time is the independent variable.