Dependent and Independent Variables

Before we explain the definition of the dependent and independent variable, let’s test your knowledge!

Lyla commits to head outside 8 times as much as she spends indoor. X symbolizes the amount of time spent indoor, whereas y symbolizes the time spent outdoors.

y=8x Identify the dependent variable in the equation.

If you guessed y, you’re correct! But do you know why y is the dependent variable? Y is the dependent variable because the value of it changes because of x.

Let’s say Lyla spent 5 hours indoors. Because she spent 5 hours indoors, the amount of time spent outside would result because of the decision. Think of it as a cause and effect. The cause would be the value of x, which shifts the value of y. In summary, y acts as a result of a decision/value.

Too confusing? Here’s a definition from google.com:

The independent variable is the cause… Its value is independent of other variables in your study. The dependent variable is the effect. Its value depends on changes in the independent variable.

Now that you understand the definition of a dependent and independent variable, try some questions on your own.

Rylie starts a bake sale, selling only brownies. For every brownie she sells, her school gives her $10. B stands for the number of brownies she sells. M stands for the money she makes.

m=10b Identify the independent variable.

The correct answer is b.

B effects the variable m, meaning that B is the independent variable.

Wyatt makes a deal with his mother. She agrees to give him 10 dollars if he does all his chores. For each chore Wyatt does, he get’s 5 dollars. C stands for the amount of chores he does. M stands for the money he has in total.

m=10+5c Identify the dependent variable.

The correct answer is m.

M‘s depends on the change of c.

Good job learning about dependent and independent variables! Hopefully, you can identify the two in different situations and equations.

Disclaimer: This document has not been edited. Please keep in mind that there might be some grammatical errors.