How do I determine which is the dependent variable and which is the independent variable?

Question

anonymous · Answer

dependent means it is paired with another...it is affected by another..so 2x, that would be dependent, however x alone would be independent because nothing is changing it

anonymous · Answer

For example, on my current problem about the length of a necklace and the amount of string needed

length of necklace          amount of string
10 in                             200 in
11 in                             202 in

and so on, and so on.

I just can't determine which is which, because they both seem to be dependent.

anonymous · Answer

well i would say for that the length of necklace would be the independent...the amount of string needed changes by the length...does that make any sense lol

anonymous · Answer

well the length seems to change with the amount, too. that's why I'm confused. :L

anonymous · Answer

well...think of it this way....you are buying a necklace for a girl...her neck size is not going to change but the amount of string will

anonymous · Answer

Ah, that's true. Alrighty, I'll take your word for it. Thanks!

anonymous · Answer

medal given.

anonymous · Answer

also, see how the length of the necklace is only going up by one? thats the same as graphing points and having x and 1, 2, 3, and then you find the y...in this case the y is you amount of string needed to make the length work.