Independent & Dependent Variables
I can tell which variable you choose (independent) and which one results from it (dependent).
📘 Word Bank + Sentence Frames
independent (you choose)dependent (the result)depends oninput / output
- Independent = the input you control (often x).
- Dependent = the output that depends on the input (often y).
- Frame: "____ depends on ____, so ____ is the dependent variable."
👀 See It: A Worked Example
You earn $8 for each hour you work: y = 8x.
| Hours (x) — you choose | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay (y) — the result | $8 | $16 | $24 |
Your pay depends on the hours. So x (hours) is independent and y (pay) is dependent.
✏️ Your Turn
0 of 3 checks complete
1. The number of slices eaten and the slices left. Which is dependent?
2. In y = 8x, which variable is independent (the input you choose)?
3. "Distance traveled depends on time driving." The dependent variable is…
💬 Explain Your Thinking
Think of two things that depend on each other:
"blank depends on blank. So blank is dependent and blank is independent."