Identifying the Independent and Dependent Variables

For a car traveling at a speed of 50 miles per hour, the relationship between the distance traveled, d, and the time traveled, t, is described by the function d = 50t. Which statement is true?

• The time traveled depends on the distance traveled.

• The distance traveled depends on the time traveled.

• The speed of the car depends on the distance traveled.

• The speed of the car depends on the time traveled.

If c is a function of n, which of the following best describes this relationship?

• The value of n is constant in relation to c.

• The value of n is dependent on c.

• The value of c is constant in relation to n.

• The value of c is dependent on n.

In an experiment where the amount of sunlight affects the growth rate of a plant, what is the dependent variable?

• Amount of sunlight

• Growth rate of the plant

Which variable is independent: The amount of water given to a plant or the height of the plant?

• The amount of water given to a plant

• The height of the plant

In a study where the number of hours of sleep affects cognitive performance, which is the independent variable?

• Number of hours of sleep

• Cognitive performance

In a case where the amount of exercise affects the weight loss, what is the dependent variable?

• Amount of exercise

• Weight loss

Which of the following best describes a dependent variable?

• A. A variable that changes in response to another variable

• B. A variable that remains constant

• C. A variable that determines the outcome of an experiment

• D. A variable that is manipulated by the researcher

Brad sets up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp.  Identify the independent variable.

• distance traveled by the ball

• mass of the ball

• height of the ramp

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

t = the number of treats
s = the number of students

Which of the variables is independent?

• s

• t