IXL | Identify independent and dependent variables: word problems

Nate and Derek are organizing a car wash to raise money to buy new hockey sticks for their school's hockey team. The number of hockey sticks they will be able to purchase for the team depends on the number of cars they wash.

s = the number of hockey sticks Nate and Derek will be able to purchase
c = the number of cars Nate and Derek wash

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

c is the independent variable and s is the dependent variable

s is the independent variable and c is the dependent variable

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Learn with an example

question

At a conference, Mary is handing out candy to people who visit her booth. The number of visitors determines the total amount of candy she hands out.

c = the total amount of candy Mary hands out
v = the number of visitors to Mary's booth

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

v is the independent variable and c is the dependent variable

c is the independent variable and v is the dependent variable

key idea

There are two variables. One is called the independent variable and the other is called the dependent variable.
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

Start by finding the dependent variable.

Since the total amount of candy Mary hands out depends on the number of visitors, the amount of candy is the dependent variable. So, c is the dependent variable.

Since the number of visitors does not depend on the total amount of candy Mary hands out, the number of visitors is the independent variable. So, v is the independent variable.

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

CC.2Identify independent and dependent variables in tables and graphs

Lesson: Independent and dependent variables

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