Independent and Dependent Variables

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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

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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.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

Front

In the relationship between the weight of a package and the cost to mail it, which is the independent variable?

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The weight of the package.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

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In the relationship between how much water you use and the price of your water bill, which is the independent variable?

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How much water you use.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

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In the relationship between the number of students and the amount of jolly ranchers needed, which is the independent variable?

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The number of students.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

Front

In the relationship between the weight of a bag and the materials in the bag, which is the independent variable?

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The materials in the bag.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

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In the relationship between the amount Amazon needs to deliver and how many delivery drivers they hire, which is the independent variable?

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The amount Amazon needs to deliver.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

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How do you identify the independent variable in an experiment?

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The independent variable is usually the one that you can change or manipulate.

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How do you identify the dependent variable in an experiment?

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The dependent variable is usually the one that you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable.

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What is the purpose of identifying independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

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Identifying these variables helps to understand the cause-and-effect relationship in the experiment.