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

In the equation m = 5A, what does m represent?

Back

m represents the amount of money earned based on the number of A's received.

Front

In the equation m = 5A, what does A represent?

Back

A represents the number of A's received on a report card.

Front

Which variable is typically plotted on the x-axis of a graph?

Back

The independent variable is typically plotted on the x-axis.

Front

Which variable is typically plotted on the y-axis of a graph?

Back

The dependent variable is typically plotted on the y-axis.

Front

If Sarah walks further, what happens to the amount of money she raises?

Back

The amount of money she raises (dependent variable) increases as the distance she walks (independent variable) increases.

Front

In an experiment, if you change the temperature to see its effect on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the temperature.

Front

In an experiment, if you measure how tall the plants grow at different temperatures, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the height of the plants.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

The independent variable is manipulated to observe how it affects the dependent variable.