IXL - Identify independent and dependent variables (Algebra 1 practice)

For Valentine's Day, Elijah is bringing cards to class. The number of students in Elijah's class dictates the number of cards he brings in.

s = the number of students
c = the number of cards

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

s is the independent variable and c is the dependent variable

c is the independent variable and s is the dependent variable

ref_doc_title.

Learn with an example

question

Sam is a member of the football team at his high school. The night before a game, the players enjoy a team dinner provided by their parents. Sam's mom is making marshmallow treats for dessert. The number of players on the team determines how many treats she will make.

p = the number of players on the football team
m = the number of marshmallow treats Sam's mom makes

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

m is the independent variable and p is the dependent variable

p is the independent variable and m 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 number of marshmallow treats Sam's mom makes depends on the number of players on the team, the number of marshmallow treats is the dependent variable. So, m is the dependent variable.

Since the number of players on the team does not depend on how many marshmallow treats Sam's mom makes, the number of players is the independent variable. So, p is the independent variable.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Independent and dependent variables

$Confetti$

Excellent!

Now entering the Challenge Zone—are you ready?

Questions
answeredQuestions

Time
elapsedTime

hr	min	sec
00	00	06

SmartScore
out of 100
IXL's SmartScore is a dynamic measure of progress towards mastery, rather than a percentage grade. It tracks your skill level as you tackle progressively more difficult questions. Consistently answer questions correctly to reach excellence (90), or conquer the Challenge Zone to achieve mastery (100)! Learn more

Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

CC.12Evaluate a linear function: word problems

Lesson: Independent and dependent variables

Excellent! You got that right!

Jumping to level 1 of 1

Excellent!