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 depends on the independent variable; it is what you measure in the experiment.

Front

In the equation y = mx + b, what does y represent?

Back

y represents the dependent variable.

Front

In the equation y = mx + b, what does x represent?

Back

x represents the independent variable.

Front

What axis on a graph typically represents the independent variable?

Back

The x-axis.

Front

What axis on a graph typically represents the dependent variable?

Back

The y-axis.

Front

If the number of hours studied increases, what is likely to happen to the test score?

Back

The test score (dependent variable) is likely to increase as the number of hours studied (independent variable) increases.

Front

In a study measuring the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of fertilizer used.

Front

In a study measuring the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The growth of the plants.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

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