Graph Independent and Dependent Variables in Math

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

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

The x- axis is the ___________________ number line in the coordinate plane.

• Vertical

• Diagonal

• Horizontal

• origin

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

Emma gets one sticker for every paper she completes.

s = stickers earned

p = papers completed

The independent variable is:

• s = stickers earned

• p = papers completed

Ty earns $12 per hour. How much money, m, does he earn on a shift of h hours? Identify the dependent variable.

• m: money

• h: hours

Asher 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

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