{"id":8012,"date":"2013-09-07T00:33:04","date_gmt":"2013-09-07T00:33:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=8012"},"modified":"2026-03-28T10:56:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T15:56:26","slug":"identifying-variables","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/identifying-variables\/","title":{"rendered":"Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_BKU-fEobbVk\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_BKU-fEobbVk\" data-source-videoID=\"BKU-fEobbVk\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables Video\" height=\"720\" width=\"1280\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_BKU-fEobbVk:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_BKU-fEobbVk {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/thumb3.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_BKU-fEobbVk\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_BKU-fEobbVk\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_BKU-fEobbVk\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_BKU-fEobbVk\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_BKU-fEobbVk\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction Suc_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"Suc\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"Suc_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"Suc\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#What_is_a_Variable\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">What is a Variable?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Independent_Variables\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Independent Variables<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Dependent_Variables\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Dependent Variables<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#How_to_Remember_Variables\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">How to Remember Variables<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#The_Scientific_Method\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">The Scientific Method<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Review\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Independent_and_Dependent_Variable_Practice_Questions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Independent and Dependent Variable Practice Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label><input id=\"PQs\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQs\">Practice<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>I\u2019ve been experimenting over the last couple of weeks trying to make the perfect cup of coffee. Each week, I try to tweak one thing to see if I can get the flavor I\u2019m looking for. I\u2019ll either adjust how much coffee I use, how coarse the grind is, or how much water I add.<\/p>\n<p>This week, I ground the beans, put two scoops of coffee in the filter, added four cups of water, and then pressed \u201cbrew\u201d and waited for the magic to happen.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m experimenting to achieve the perfect cup, and all these elements in my experiment are what we call <strong>variables<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In this video, we&#8217;re going to break down what variables are, explore the difference between independent and dependent variables, and see how they show up in science and in life. By the end of this video, you should have a clear grasp of variables and the ability to identify them everywhere.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_a_Variable\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>What is a Variable?<\/h2>\n<p>\nLet&#8217;s start with the basics. What exactly is a variable?<\/p>\n<p>A variable is anything that can change or vary in an experiment or situation. If something can change, it has variance, which means it is a variable.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a super broad definition, right? It encompasses most of the things around us. No need to get overwhelmed though; let\u2019s go back to my cup of coffee to see variables more clearly.<\/p>\n<p>In my daily coffee experiment, we have a few variables at play: the amount of coffee, the grind, and the amount of water. The taste and texture of the coffee were other variables \u2014 sometimes it was bitter and watery, sometimes it was smooth and rich.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffee-Variables.webp\" alt=\"Icons representing coffee amount, grind, water amount, texture, and taste.\" width=\"1617\" height=\"935\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-229447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffee-Variables.webp 1617w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffee-Variables-300x173.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffee-Variables-1024x592.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffee-Variables-768x444.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffee-Variables-1536x888.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1617px) 100vw, 1617px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Think about your study habits\u2014variables are at play there as well. The number of hours you study could be a variable, so could your choice of location, the time of day you hit the books, or even the snacks you eat while cramming. The results of your tests are also a variable.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Studying-Variables.webp\" alt=\"Icons representing Study Hours, Location, Time, Snack Choice, and Results, each with a respective symbol: hourglass, location pin, clock, cookie, and bar chart.\" width=\"1743\" height=\"935\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-229444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Studying-Variables.webp 1743w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Studying-Variables-300x161.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Studying-Variables-1024x549.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Studying-Variables-768x412.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Studying-Variables-1536x824.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1743px) 100vw, 1743px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Now how does this relate to science? One of my favorite experiments from science class was electrolysis of water; we used a battery to separate water into its base components. The variables here were the voltage power source, the type of electrodes used for conduction, and how much electrolyte was added to the water to increase conductivity. The amount of hydrogen and oxygen gas that was released and the temperature of the water were also variables.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Science-Variables.webp\" alt=\"Five icons representing concepts: Voltage Source, Electrode Type, Electrolyte Amount, Gas Released, and Temperature.\" width=\"1677\" height=\"968\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-229441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Science-Variables.webp 1677w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Science-Variables-300x173.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Science-Variables-1024x591.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Science-Variables-768x443.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Science-Variables-1536x887.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1677px) 100vw, 1677px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>But not all variables are created equal, and a key part of understanding variables is seeing that there are two types: independent and dependent variables.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Independent_Variables\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Independent Variables<\/h2>\n<p>\nLet\u2019s start with <strong>independent variables<\/strong>. This is the variable that you, as the experimenter, get to control. The independent variable is NOT affected by other variables; that\u2019s why it is called the *independent variable*. <\/p>\n<p>In making the perfect cup of coffee, the amount of coffee I add to the machine is an example of an independent variable. I have control of how much coffee to add.<\/p>\n<p>Do you know about Benjamin Franklin\u2019s legendary kite experiment? In 1752, he constructed a kite out of a handkerchief and attached a conductive wire to the top of the kite to act as a lightning rod, along with a metal key and a Leyden jar. He then flew the kite during a thunderstorm.<\/p>\n<p>Franklin noticed that when he moved his hand near the key, he felt a spark, proving that the kite had collected electrical charge from the storm clouds. The success of the experiment taught us a lot about electricity and directly led to the creation of the lightning rod.<\/p>\n<p>In this experiment, the independent variables could include the kite&#8217;s construction materials and the weather conditions chosen.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables.webp\" alt=\"Diagram showing five icons labeled: Wire, Handkerchief, Jar, Storm, Key, with the heading &quot;Independent Variables.\" width=\"393.5\" height=\"467\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-229450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables.webp 787w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-253x300.webp 253w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-768x911.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>By manipulating these independent variables, Franklin could observe their effects on the dependent variables, leading to his insights about electricity<\/p>\n<p>Remember, the independent variable is the one you&#8217;re manipulating or changing on purpose. It&#8217;s the cause in your cause-and-effect relationship.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Dependent_Variables\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Dependent Variables<\/h2>\n<p>\nSo if independent variables are what we control, or the <em>cause<\/em> in the cause-and-effect relationship, then how do we explain dependent variables?<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>dependent variable<\/strong> is the effect. It\u2019s what changes <em>as a result<\/em> of what you did to the independent variable.<\/p>\n<p>If the independent variables in my coffee experiment are how much coffee and water I add, then the main dependent variable is the taste of the coffee. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffe-Variables-independent-and-dependent.webp\" alt=\"Infographic showing independent variables: coffee amount and water amount; and dependent variable: taste, represented by a smiling face icon.\" width=\"1612\" height=\"938\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-229453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffe-Variables-independent-and-dependent.webp 1612w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffe-Variables-independent-and-dependent-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffe-Variables-independent-and-dependent-1024x596.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffe-Variables-independent-and-dependent-768x447.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Coffe-Variables-independent-and-dependent-1536x894.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1612px) 100vw, 1612px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The quest for the perfect cup of coffee is about the manipulation of the independent variables to get the desired dependent variable.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s talk about the Ben Franklin experiment again: the dependent variable in this case was the presence and intensity of the spark observed and the amount of electrical charge collected.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-independent-and-dependent.webp\" alt=\"Diagram showing independent variables (wire, handkerchief, jar, storm, key) and dependent variables (charge collected, spark observed) in separate columns.\" width=\"1632\" height=\"953\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-229456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-independent-and-dependent.webp 1632w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-independent-and-dependent-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-independent-and-dependent-1024x598.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-independent-and-dependent-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Franklin-Variables-independent-and-dependent-1536x897.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1632px) 100vw, 1632px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The key to identifying the dependent variable is to ask yourself, &#8220;What&#8217;s changing as a result of what I&#8217;m doing?&#8221; That&#8217;s your dependent variable.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Remember_Variables\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How to Remember Variables<\/h2>\n<p>\nA quick way I like to think about these variables is through the letters ICDE. It stands for \u201cIndependent is the Cause. Dependent is the Effect.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A more visual way to think about variables is through the domino effect. The independent variable is the first domino you push, and all the dominoes that fall afterward represent the dependent variable.<\/p>\n<p>Now that you know all about independent and dependent variables, let&#8217;s talk about why this matters.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_Scientific_Method\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>The Scientific Method<\/h2>\n<p>\nLet\u2019s talk about the scientific method. The scientific method is the approach by which scientists acquire, correct, and integrate knowledge. We don\u2019t have to go into specifics about the method in this video, but what you have to know is that variables are a fundamental part of the scientific method.<\/p>\n<p>The cause-and-effect relationship of variables is what helps scientists formulate experiments to test their hypotheses and draw conclusions from the results observed.<\/p>\n<p>All scientific breakthroughs, from the discovery of gravity to the structure of DNA, have resulted from constantly experimenting by manipulating the independent variable and observing and understanding how they impact the dependent variable.<\/p>\n<p>The best part of understanding variables and how important they are in the scientific method is that you can apply this to everyday life, even if your career is not in the sciences.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span id=\"Review\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Review<\/h2>\n<p>\nSo, to sum it up: The independent variable is what you can manipulate and is not impacted by other variables. It\u2019s the cause. A dependent variable is what is observed as a result of the changes to the independent variables. It\u2019s the effect.<\/p>\n<p>The independent is the cause, the dependent is the effect.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s put your knowledge to the test:<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s say you want to sleep better. You plan to change your bedtime, change your screen habits, and change the time of your last meal of the day. Your hope is that this will have a noticeable impact on sleep quality.<\/p>\n<p>Which of the following accurately describes an independent and dependent variable found in our example?<\/p>\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: upper-alpha;\">\n<li>Bed time; Sleep quality<\/li>\n<li>Sleep quality; Screen habits<\/li>\n<li>Last meal time; Bed time<\/li>\n<li>Sleep quality; Last meal time<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n   <button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer1')\">Show Answer<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer1\" class=\"showanswer\">\n   <strong>The correct answer is A!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The time you go to bed would be an independent variable, which would affect your sleep quality, which is a dependent variable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nAll right, that\u2019s all for now. Thanks for watching, and happy studying!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"PQs-spoiler\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\"><span id=\"Independent_and_Dependent_Variable_Practice_Questions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Independent and Dependent Variable Practice Questions<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Question #1:<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>&nbsp;<br \/>\nCarlos is developing a new chocolate chip recipe. While testing recipes out, he notices that when he adds less and less flour to the cookie dough, the cookies get wider and spread out on the pan. What is the <strong>dependent<\/strong> variable in Carlos\u2019 experiment?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ-Choices\"><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-1-1\">Type of flour used<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-1-2\">Amount of chocolate chips added<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-1-3\">Amount of flour added<\/div><div class=\"PQ correct_answer\"  id=\"PQ-1-4\">Size of baked cookies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-1\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-1\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Show Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"answer\" id=\"PQ-1-spoiler\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Answer:<\/strong><div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>Remember that the dependent variable depends on the independent variable. In this problem, we see that the width of each cookie depends on how much flour Carlos puts in the dough.<\/p>\n<p>Another helpful rule to know is that the dependent variable is what we observe (or measure) happening in an experiment. But, as for the independent variable, it is usually what we change in an experiment. In this problem, the independent variable is the amount of flour that Carlos adds to the dough. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-1-hide\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-1-hide\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Hide Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Question #2:<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>&nbsp;<br \/>\nA local gardening club has started a new compost bin, and they begin by putting a small number of worms in the starter soil. Every week, they open the bin and count how many worms are working through the compost. Using this information and the graph below, choose which measurement is the <strong>independent<\/strong> variable.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-71030 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Line-graph-of-the-number-of-worms-in-a-compost-bin-over-7-weeks.png\" alt=\"Line graph of the number of worms in a compost bin over 7 weeks\" width=\"432\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Line-graph-of-the-number-of-worms-in-a-compost-bin-over-7-weeks.png 1779w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Line-graph-of-the-number-of-worms-in-a-compost-bin-over-7-weeks-300x234.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Line-graph-of-the-number-of-worms-in-a-compost-bin-over-7-weeks-1024x798.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Line-graph-of-the-number-of-worms-in-a-compost-bin-over-7-weeks-768x598.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Line-graph-of-the-number-of-worms-in-a-compost-bin-over-7-weeks-1536x1197.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ-Choices\"><div class=\"PQ correct_answer\"  id=\"PQ-2-1\">Time (weeks passed)<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-2-2\">Length of worms in the compost bin<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-2-3\">Amount of worms in the compost bin<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-2-4\">Amount of compost generated<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-2\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-2\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Show Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"answer\" id=\"PQ-2-spoiler\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Answer:<\/strong><div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>While we may not be making time go on or changing time itself, we see that the amount of worms grows as time goes on. Therefore, the worm population depends on how much time has passed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-2-hide\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-2-hide\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Hide Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Question #3:<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>&nbsp;<br \/>\nYou\u2019ve been given the equation \\(q=7.4p^2+9\\) and the table:<\/p>\n<table class=\"ATable\" style=\"margin: auto; width: 80%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"head\">(input)\\(p\\)<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"head\">(output)\\(q\\)<\/td>\n<td>39<\/td>\n<td>129<\/td>\n<td>279<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\nUsing this information, we can deduce that the <strong>dependent<\/strong> variable is most likely _____.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ-Choices\"><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-3-1\">\\(p\\)<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-3-2\">\\(7.5\\)<\/div><div class=\"PQ correct_answer\"  id=\"PQ-3-3\">\\(q\\)<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-3-4\">\\(p^2\\)<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-3\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-3\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Show Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"answer\" id=\"PQ-3-spoiler\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Answer:<\/strong><div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>If we were only given the equation \\(q=7.4p^2+9\\), we couldn\u2019t decide which variable depends on the other. However, because we know that \\(p\\) is the input-value and \\(q\\) is the output-value, we also know that \\(q\\) depends on \\(p\\).<\/p>\n<p>Since we\u2019ve already been given pre-set values of \\(p\\), it\u2019s safe to assume that \\(p\\) is the independent variable; because the value of \\(p\\) will not be impacted by a change in \\(q\\).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-3-hide\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-3-hide\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Hide Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Question #4:<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>&nbsp;<br \/>\nOver the past few weeks, Briana has been conducting an experiment to see what type of bread grows the most mold within a given period of time. She\u2019s chosen six different types of bread, and as time has passed, she\u2019s measured the areas of each mold patch that\u2019s grown on the respective bread slices. The graph below shows her results:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-71027 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bar-graph-of-the-amount-of-mold-growth-on-several-types-of-bread.png\" alt=\"Bar graph of the amount of mold growth on several types of bread\" width=\"578\" height=\"302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bar-graph-of-the-amount-of-mold-growth-on-several-types-of-bread.png 2380w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bar-graph-of-the-amount-of-mold-growth-on-several-types-of-bread-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bar-graph-of-the-amount-of-mold-growth-on-several-types-of-bread-1024x535.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bar-graph-of-the-amount-of-mold-growth-on-several-types-of-bread-768x401.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bar-graph-of-the-amount-of-mold-growth-on-several-types-of-bread-1536x802.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bar-graph-of-the-amount-of-mold-growth-on-several-types-of-bread-2048x1070.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>What is the <strong>independent<\/strong> variable in Briana\u2019s experiment?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ-Choices\"><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-4-1\">Time (weeks passed)<\/div><div class=\"PQ correct_answer\"  id=\"PQ-4-2\">Bread type<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-4-3\">Amount of mold growth (inches<sup>2<\/sup>)<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-4-4\">Area of bread slices (inches<sup>2<\/sup>)<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-4\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-4\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Show Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"answer\" id=\"PQ-4-spoiler\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Answer:<\/strong><div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>While it may be tempting to choose Choice A, time is actually a controlled variable in this experiment. We observed a phenomenon over a pre-set, controlled period of time. Really, we need to ask ourselves, \u201cWhat is Briana changing?\u201d and \u201cWhat is she measuring\/observing?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Of course, as Briana has changed the type of bread, she\u2019s observed a change in the amount of mold grown on each slice; so it\u2019s clear that our independent variable is the bread type!<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, Briana has noticed that the amount of mold growth on each slice is different for each type of bread. Hence, it\u2019s safe to say that the amount of mold growth depends on the bread type.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-4-hide\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-4-hide\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Hide Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Question #5:<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>Mia is training for a marathon. As she reads through her food &#038; fitness tracking journal, she notices that she runs more miles on the days where she eats an apple with breakfast. What is the <strong>dependent<\/strong> variable in this scenario? <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"PQ-Choices\"><div class=\"PQ correct_answer\"  id=\"PQ-5-1\">Amount of miles Mia runs each day<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-5-2\">What Mia eats for breakfast<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-5-3\">Amount of miles Mia will run in the marathon<\/div><div class=\"PQ\"  id=\"PQ-5-4\">When Mia eats an apple<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-5\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-5\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Show Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"answer\" id=\"PQ-5-spoiler\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Answer:<\/strong><div style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><p>In this problem, the amount of miles that Mia runs in a day depends on whether or not she eats an apple with her breakfast. We can also note that the independent variable is what Mia eats for breakfast. More specifically, it is whether or not she eats an apple with her breakfast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input id=\"PQ-5-hide\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"PQ-5-hide\" style=\"width: 150px;\">Hide Answer<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/experimental\/\">Return to Experimental Science Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction toggle(obj) {\n          var obj=document.getElementById(obj);\n          if (obj.style.display == \"block\") obj.style.display = \"none\";\n          else obj.style.display = \"block\";\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Experimental Science Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":229435,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-8012","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-pre-algebra-displaying-information-videos","7":"page_category-experimental-basics-videos","8":"page_type-video","9":"content_type-practice-questions","10":"subject_matter-math"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8012"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":280667,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8012\/revisions\/280667"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/229435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}