Math Question?

Question

Describe:what is the difference between a dependant variable and an independant variable?

it's algebra 1

Answer 1

the dependent one is the one which is dependent on the value of another variable. Whereas the independent variable can be its own value without the need of another variable.

Y = Xsquared (Y being dependable on value of X. Where as X can have any value).

Answer 2

The definitions I have are:

independent: the value that we can change
dependent: the value that is determined by the independent
variable

Independent variables are those that are manipulated whereas dependent variables are only measured or registered. This distinction appears terminologically confusing to many because, as some students say, "all variables depend on something."

However, once you get used to this distinction, it becomes indispensable. The terms dependent and independent variable apply mostly to experimental research where some variables are manipulated, and in this sense they are "independent" from the initial reaction patterns, features, intentions, etc. of the subjects.

Some other variables are expected to be "dependent" on the manipulation or experimental conditions. That is to say, they depend on "what the subject will do" in response.

Somewhat contrary to the nature of this distinction, these terms are also used in studies where we do not literally manipulate independent variables, but only assign subjects to "experimental groups" based on some pre-existing properties of the subjects. For example, if in an experiment, males are compared with females regarding their white cell count (WCC), Gender could be called the independent variable and WCC the dependent variable.

I have listed other websites that have different ways of explaining it in case this is a little confusing.

~ Hope this helps ~

Laurie