How do you determine if variables are independent or dependent in a math equation? Ex 5x+3y=9

Question

psymon · Answer

In general, y would usually be the dependent variable. What makes it "dependent" is the fact that we don't know what y is until we pick some value for x. For example, a regular equation like y = x^2 - 4. We don't pick a valueof y and use it to determine x. We pick a value of x (independent) and the value of y depende (dependent) on what value of x we choose. In an equation like yours where there could be ambiguity, unless something is stated different, assume y to be the dependent variable.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you. So in this case the x is dependent because it can be used to solve one of the variables?

anonymous · Answer

I mean independent

anonymous · Answer

Sorry

psymon · Answer

Got it backwards. y is dependent because its value depends on x. When you say "because it can beused to solve" that basically is independent. And yes, you corrected yourself xDD

psymon · Answer

So yeah, the variable you do not choose numbers for is dependent.

anonymous · Answer

So x is independent and can be used to solve for one of the variables

psymon · Answer

Right.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!

psymon · Answer

Sure : )