Identifying Independent/Dependent Variables

Grace is bringing treats to her class on her birthday. The number of treats she brings is based on the number of students in her class.

Which of the variables is independent?

• number of students

• number of treats

On a graph, which axis shows the dependent variable?

• x-axis
• y-axis
• neither
• it changes

On a graph, which axis shows the independent variable?

• x-axis
• y-axis
• neither
• it changes

The x- axis is the ___________________ number line in the coordinate plane.

• Vertical

• Diagonal

• Horizontal

• origin

Jimmy earned $8 for every pizza he delivers.

m = money (dollars)

p = number of pizzas delivered

The dependent variable is:

• m = money

• p = number of pizzas delivered

Emma gets one sticker for every paper she completes.

s = stickers earned

p = papers completed

The independent variable is:

• s = stickers earned

• p = papers completed

Ty earns $12 per hour. How much money, m, does he earn on a shift of h hours? Identify the dependent variable.

• m: money

• h: hours

Britney is planting seeds. The number of flowers she grows is related to the number of seeds she plants. Which is the independent variable?

• Number of seeds

• Number of flowers

• Amount of sunlight

• Amount of water

The graph shows the distance traveled by Ms. Luce's family on a road trip. They will travel 25 miles each hour. Which statement is true about the situation?

• the independent variable is distance

• the independent variable is d=25 t

• the dependent variable is time

• the dependent variable is distance

The graph shows the cost of mailing a package based on its weight.  Which statement is true about the situation?

• The dependent variable is total cost
• The dependent variable is weight
• The independent variable is total cost
• The independent variable is cost of a package