Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the variable that is measured and affected in an experiment. It depends on the independent variable.

Front

In the equation m = d, which variable is dependent?

Back

d = the distance Sarah walks is the dependent variable.

Front

In an experiment, if you change the amount of sunlight a plant receives, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

Front

In an experiment measuring the effect of study time on test scores, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The test scores are the dependent variable.

Front

On a graph, which axis represents the independent variable?

Back

The x-axis represents the independent variable.

Front

If you are testing how different fertilizers affect plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of fertilizer used is the independent variable.

Front

What does it mean if a variable is controlled in an experiment?

Back

A controlled variable is kept constant to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.

Front

In the context of a walkathon, if Sarah's money raised depends on the distance walked, what is the relationship between the variables?

Back

The amount of money raised (dependent variable) changes based on the distance walked (independent variable).

Front

What is the purpose of identifying independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Back

Identifying these variables helps to understand the cause-and-effect relationship in the experiment.