How do you know the difference between independent and dependent variables?

Question

gottennis121 · Answer

Independent: Can control
Dependent: The result or cannot control

mathmale · Answer

Sharing some examples may convey the basics.


Suppose y = m x.  In this linear equation, y depends upon the value of x

We call y the dependent variable and x the independent variable.

mathmale · Answer

Similarly,   the quadratic function   y = x^2  has x as independent and y as dependent.

mathmale · Answer

Note, however, that there's nothing in these examples to stop us from solving my example equations for x and therefore making x dependent on y.