Independent and Dependent Variables Math

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

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

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

• dependent

• independent

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

On a graph, which axis shows the independent variable?

• x-axis

• y-axis

• neither

• it changes

The graph shows the distance traveled by Ms. Luce's 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

On a graph, which axis shows the dependent variable?

• x-axis

• y-axis

• neither

• it changes