Graph Independent and Dependent Variables in Math

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 graph shows the cost of mailing a package based on its weight.  Which statement is true about the situation?

• 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

Will practices at a batting cage.  The table shows the total cost based on the number of tokens purchased.  Which of the following is the independent variable in this situation?

• number of tokens

• total cost

• {1, 2, 3, 4}

• {7, 10, 13, 16}

Daisy is training for a marathon.  The amount of time spent running depends on how far she runs.  Which statement is true

• The dependent variable is the amount of time spent running, the independent variable is the miles run. 

• The dependent variable is miles run, the independent variable is the time spent running.

• The independent variable is her running shoes and the dependent variable is the flavor of gatorade she drinks

• The dependent variable is the weather and the independent variable is the time of day. 

Match the following using the given graph of a two-variable equation.

• Time in seconds

• Velocity after 2 minutes

• Velocity in m/s

• Time it takes to reach a velocity of 20 m/s

• 5 seconds

• Independent Variable y

• y = 4x

• Equation

• 8 m/s

• Dependent Variable x

Choose the correct equation for the given graph.

• y = x + 2

• y = 4 + x

• y = x - 2

• y = 4 - x

Answer explanation

As we can see in the graph that the line is intersecting x axis at 2 and y axis at -2. So here we have got two points (2, 0) and (0, -2). Now let's substitute these points in y = x - 2 (2, 0) In LHS, y = 0 In RHS, x - 2 = 2 - 2 = 0 So, LHS = RHS (0, -2) In LHS, y = -2 In RHS, x - 2 = 0 -2 = -2 So, LHS = RHS Therefore, The graph in the figure is of the equation y = x - 2 and option 3 is the correct answer.

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

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

On a graph, which axis shows the independent variable?

• x-axis

• y-axis

• neither

• it changes

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

• independent; dependent

• dependent; independent