Independent vs. Dependent Variables

Which is the independent variable: the time it takes a person to run a mile or the person's running speed?

• time it takes the person to run a mile

• the person's running speed

Which is the independent variable: the amount of water a lemon tree receives or the amount of lemons the tree will produce?

• the amount of water the lemon tree receives

• the number of lemons the tree will produce

Which is the dependent variable: the depth of a lake or the temperature of the lake?

• the depth of the lake

• the temperature of the lake

Which is the dependent variable: the number of books you buy with a credit card or your balance on the credit card?

• the number of books you buy

• your balance on the credit card

What is the dependent variable: the number of people in line ahead of you or the length of time you will wait in line?

• the number of people in line ahead of you

• the length of time you will wait in line

Which is the independent variable: the number of students graduating college or the number of seats needed for the graduation ceremony?

• number of students graduating college

• number of seats needed for the ceremony

Which is the independent variable: the size of the fish tank needed or the number of fish that will go in the tank?

• the size of the fish tank needed

• the number of fish that will go in the tank