Dependent Variable

High School

Definition

Dependent variable is a variable that its value is to be determined by the value(s) of independent variable(s). For example, in y = 2x + 7, y is the dependent variable and its values depend on the values of x.

Worked examples

\(y = 2x + 7\)

\(y\) is the dependent variable because its value depends on whatever \(x\) is.

\(A = \pi r^2\)

Area \(A\) is the dependent variable; it depends on the radius \(r\).

Common mistakes

In \(y = 3x - 5\), \(x\) is the dependent variable → \(y\) is the dependent variable The dependent variable is the output — what you solve for or what changes in response to the independent variable.
The dependent variable is always \(y\) → Any variable can be dependent if its value depends on another In \(x = 4t + 1\), \(x\) is dependent on \(t\). The label matters less than the relationship.
Dependent and independent variables are the same thing → Dependent variables respond to independent variables Independent variables are chosen or controlled; dependent variables are the result or output.

Where you'll use it next

You'll use dependent variables when graphing functions, interpreting real-world relationships in word problems, analyzing data in statistics, and setting up experiments in science courses.

Found in 1 StudyPug lesson

Relationship between two variables

Algebra 1

This lesson will teach us the basic concepts of relationship between two quantities in the coordinate system. For instances, is y a dependent variable or independent variable? What is domain and range? What is an ordered pair? What is quadrant? And how do we plot points on a graph?

10th Grade10th