IXL | Identify independent and dependent variables in tables and graphs

Liz is not tall enough to reach the snacks on the top shelf of the pantry, so she needs a stool to help her reach. The graph shows the relationship between the height of the stool she stands on in feet,

and the height she can reach in feet,

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

r is the independent variable, and s is the dependent variable.

s is the independent variable, and r is the dependent variable.

Complete the sentence.

The dependent variable is always the independent variable.

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Learn with an example

question

Ellen planted a fig tree in her backyard. The table shows the relationship between how much the fig tree has grown since Ellen planted it,

and the total height of the tree,

Growth since planting, in feet (g)	1	2	3	4
Total height, in feet (h)	6	7	8	9

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

h is the independent variable, and g is the dependent variable.

g is the independent variable, and h is the dependent variable.

Complete the sentence.

The dependent variable is always the independent variable.

key idea

The variable whose value does not depend on the other variable is the independent variable.

The variable whose value depends on the other variable is the dependent variable.

solution

The table shows, for each amount that the tree grows, the total height of the tree.

Growth since planting, in feet (g)	1	2	3	4
Total height, in feet (h)	6	7	8	9

The amount that the tree has grown since Ellen planted it,

does not depend on the total height of the tree. So, g is the independent variable.

The total height of the tree,

depends on the amount it has grown since Ellen planted it. So, h is the dependent variable.

Now determine how to find the dependent variable,

from the independent variable,

g	1	2	3	4
h	1 + 5 = 6	2 + 5 = 7	3 + 5 = 8	4 + 5 = 9

The dependent variable,

is always 5 more than the independent variable,

That means the tree was 5 feet tall when Ellen planted it.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Independent and dependent variables

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

Y.3Write variable expressions: word problems

O.12Multiplication input/output tables: find the rule

P.9Add and subtract integers: input/output tables

Lesson: Independent and dependent variables

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