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Definition--Functions and Relations Concepts--Independent Variable
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Algebra >> Functions and Relations >> Relations and Functions

Definition--Functions and Relations Concepts--Independent Variable

Independent Variable

Independent Variable Image

Topic

Functions and Relations

Definition

An independent variable is a variable that represents the input or cause and is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Description

The independent variable is crucial in mathematics and science as it is the variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable. It is often denoted as 𝑥 x in the function y =  f(x). In real-world applications, the independent variable can represent time, temperature, or other factors that influence outcomes. For example, in the equation y = 2x + 3, x is the independent variable. Understanding the independent variable is essential for designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results in various fields.

For a complete collection of terms related to functions and relations click on this link: Functions and Relations Collection

Common Core Standards CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.B.5, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.A.2, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.B.3, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.B.4
Grade Range 6 - 9
Curriculum Nodes Algebra
    • Functions and Relations
        • Relations and Functions
Copyright Year 2013
Keywords definition, function, relations, glossary terms