Dependent and Independent Variables

What is the independent variable in the statement? The number of minutes spent talking on the phone, m, and the amount of a cell phone bill, a

• Independent variable: m

• Independent variable: a

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

• dependent

• independent

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

Mallory earned $5 for every A she got on her report card.

m = money

a = A on report card

The dependent variable is:

• m = money

• A = A on report card

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

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

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

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