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  • Word comparison: independent variable vs. dependent variable

independent variable vs. dependent variable

noun

  1. Mathematics.,  a variable in a functional relation whose value determines the value or values of other variables, as x in the relation y = 3 x 2 .

  2. Statistics.,  (in an experiment) a variable that is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

noun

  1. Mathematics.,  a variable in a functional relation whose value is determined by the values assumed by other variables in the relation, as y in the relation y = 3 x 2 .

  2. Statistics.,  (in an experiment) the event studied and expected to change when the independent variable is changed.