IXL | Identify independent and dependent variables: word problems

The electric company charges its customers based on usage. The billing amount is based on the quantity of electricity consumed.

b = the billing amount
q = the quantity of electricity consumed

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

b is the independent variable and q is the dependent variable

q is the independent variable and b is the dependent variable

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Learn with an example

question

In hockey, the number of goals a team has scored determines that team's score.

g = the number of goals a team has scored
s = the team's score

Which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

g is the independent variable and s is the dependent variable

s is the independent variable and g 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 team's score depends on how many goals the team has made, the score is the dependent variable. So, s is the dependent variable.

Since the number of goals does not depend on the team's score, the number of goals is the independent variable. So, g is the independent variable.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Independent and dependent variables

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Teacher tools

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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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