Dependent and Independent Variables in Math

Samantha 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
The number of treats she will bring can be found using the equation 
t=3s+5
Which of the variables is independent?

• s

• t

• 3

• 5

In order to earn extra spending money, Dalton babysits children after school. The greater the number of hours he babysits, the more money he earns.
h = the number of hours Dalton babysits
m = the amount of money Dalton earns
Which of the variables is dependent?

• h

• m

The graph shows the distance traveled by a 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 volume of a sphere is given by the formula V=4πr³, where V is the volume and r is the radius.  What is the dependent variable in this situation?

• V

• 4

• r

• π

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

• dependent

• independent

Changes in the _________ variable causes changes in the _________ variable.

• independent; dependent

• dependent; independent

In the equation m = 5 r + 4, which of the following represents the dependent variable?

• r

• 5

• m

• 4

• the independent variable is distance
• the independent variable is d=25 t
• the dependent variable is time
• the dependent variable is distance

• 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

On a graph, which axis shows the independent variable?

• x-axis

• y-axis

• neither

• it changes