Dependent and Independent Variables in Math

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

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

In the equation s = 8t , which of the following represents the independent variable?

• s

• 8

• t

• 8t

What makes up an ordered pair?

• Two random numbers

• An x-value and a y-value

• Two pears

• Two lines

Carey and Justin are raising money to purchase books for the library. The more money they raise, the more books they will be able to purchase for the library.

Which of the variables is dependent?

• amount of money raised

• number of books purchased after raising the money

In order to earn extra spending money, Delaney babysits children after school. The greater the number of hours she babysits, the more money she earns.

Which of the variables is dependent?

• number of hours worked

• money earned

A food service worker earns $12 per hour. If the wages earned depends on the number of hours worked, identify the dependent variable.

• wages earned

• number of hours

What is the dependent variable?

• number of students

• number of treats

Carey and Justin are raising money to purchase books for the library. The more money they raise, the more books they will be able to purchase for the library.

What is the independent variable?

• amount of money raised

• number of books purchases after raising the money

In order to earn extra spending money, Delaney babysits children after school. The greater the number of hours she babysits, the more money she earns.

What is the independent variable?

• number of hours worked

• amount of money earned