Let's solve each problem by identifying the
independent variable and the
dependent variable.
🔍 What are Independent and Dependent Variables?
-
Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment. It is the "cause."
-
Dependent Variable (DV): The variable being tested and measured. It is the "effect" — it depends on the independent variable.
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Now, let’s go through each problem:
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1. The number of students in a class, s, and the number of desks needed, d
- We decide how many students are in a class → this affects how many desks we need.
- So,
s (students) is what we control.
-
d (desks) depends on how many students there are.
✔ Independent variable: s (number of students)
✔ Dependent variable: d (number of desks)
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2. The number of candles on a birthday cake, c, and the person's age, a
- A person's age determines how many candles go on the cake.
- Age is the cause; number of candles is the effect.
✔ Independent variable: a (age)
✔ Dependent variable: c (number of candles)
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3. The height of a sunflower in inches, h, and the number of days since it was planted, d
- The number of days since planting affects how tall the plant grows.
- Time (days) is controlled; height changes based on time.
✔ Independent variable: d (number of days)
✔ Dependent variable: h (height)
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4. The number of gallons of paint needed, g, and the area of a room in square feet, a
- The size of the room (area) determines how much paint is needed.
- Area is the cause; paint needed is the result.
✔ Independent variable: a (area of room)
✔ Dependent variable: g (gallons of paint)
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5. The number of eggs Dorina has, e, and the number of batches of muffins she can bake, b
- How many batches she can make depends on how many eggs she has.
- Eggs are the limiting factor.
✔ Independent variable: e (number of eggs)
✔ Dependent variable: b (batches of muffins)
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6. The amount of money Isabella earns, m, and the number of hours she works, h
- The more hours she works, the more money she earns.
- Hours worked affect earnings.
✔ Independent variable: h (hours worked)
✔ Dependent variable: m (money earned)
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7. The number of T-shirts a basketball team orders, t, and the number of players on the team, p
- The number of players determines how many T-shirts are needed.
- Players → T-shirts
✔ Independent variable: p (number of players)
✔ Dependent variable: t (number of T-shirts)
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8. The number of miles Terrance has driven, m, and the amount of gas he has used, g
- The distance driven affects how much gas is used.
- More miles = more gas used.
✔ Independent variable: m (miles driven)
✔ Dependent variable: g (gas used)
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✔ Final Answers:
| Problem | Independent Variable | Dependent Variable |
|--------|----------------------|--------------------|
| 1 | s (students) | d (desks) |
| 2 | a (age) | c (candles) |
| 3 | d (days) | h (height) |
| 4 | a (area) | g (paint) |
| 5 | e (eggs) | b (batches) |
| 6 | h (hours) | m (money) |
| 7 | p (players) | t (T-shirts) |
| 8 | m (miles) | g (gas) |
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🌻 Summary Tip:
Think: "
What causes the change?" That’s the
independent variable.
The thing that
changes as a result is the
dependent variable.
Let me know if you'd like this turned into a printable worksheet!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of independent variable dependent variable worksheet.
