Mathletes Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables

What is the independent variable in the statement?

Dollars earned, d, and number of hours spent babysitting, h

• Independent variable: d

• Independent variable: h

What is the dependent variable in the statement?

• Dependent variable: d

• Dependent variable: h

What is the dependent variable in the statement? Surface area of walls in a room, a, and the amount of paint used, p

• Dependent variable: a

• Dependent variable: p

Sophie 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

Mallory earned $5 for every A she got on her report card.

m = money

a = A on report card

The dependent variable is:

• m = money

• A = A on report card

Grace is bringing treats to her Algebra 1 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

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

The independent variable is:

• s = stickers earned

• p = papers completed

Mr. Hays is planning an experiment to find out how the height from which he drops a ball affects how high the ball bounces. The dependent variable is the _____.

• Diameter of the ball

• Force acting on the ball

• Height that the ball bounces

• Height from which the ball is dropped

A(n) _____________ variable depends on or is changed by another variable.

• dependent

• independent