Dependent vs Independent Variables Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
In y=3x+2y = 3x + 2, which variable is independent and which is dependent?

Solution

  1. 1
    The value of xx is chosen freely—it is the independent variable.
  2. 2
    The value of yy is determined by xx—it is the dependent variable.
  3. 3
    We say 'yy depends on xx'.

Answer

xx is independent; yy is dependent.
The independent variable is the input (you choose it), and the dependent variable is the output (it is calculated from the input). In y=f(x)y = f(x), xx is always independent.

About Dependent vs Independent Variables

The independent variable is chosen freely as input; the dependent variable's value is then determined by the function rule.

Learn more about Dependent vs Independent Variables →

More Dependent vs Independent Variables Examples

Example 2 medium

A factory's cost is [formula] where [formula] is the number of units produced. Identify the variable

Example 3 easy

In the equation [formula] (distance = speed × time), which is dependent?

Example 4 medium

On a graph, which axis typically shows the independent variable?

← All Dependent vs Independent Variables Examples Dependent vs Independent Variables Concept