Independent vs. Dependent Variables

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

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

• dependent

• independent

Name the INDEPENDENT variable from the table below.

• words

• minutes

Which of the following is the label for the independent variable.

• Money Collected

• Raising Money

• Boxes Sold

• None of the above

Which label best describes the independent quantities shown in the table?

• Number of tickets (t)

• Cost (c)

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

The number of shelves, s, in a bookcase and the number of books, b, the bookcase can hold

• independent: b; dependent: s

• independent: s; dependent: b

The number of pages, p, you read in your book in h hours

• independent: h; dependent: p

• independent: p; dependent: h

the number of gallons, g, of water a garden hose produces after running for m minutes

• independent: m; dependent: g

• independent: g; dependent: m