independent variable

Meaning

1. 1nouncountablemathematics

   In an experiment or equation, the factor that is changed or controlled to test its effect on another variable.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with the definite article: 'the independent variable'.

   Patterns

   • the independent variable
   • independent variable in an experiment
   • change the independent variable

   In an experiment to test how sunlight affects plant growth, the amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

   The researcher manipulated the independent variable to see if it caused any change in the dependent variable.

   In the equation y = 3x + 2, x is the independent variable and y is the dependent variable.

Word forms

Common combinations

manipulate the independent variable

The scientist manipulated the independent variable by varying the temperature.

independent variable in an equation

In a function, the independent variable is the input value.

choose the independent variable

Before starting the experiment, you must choose the independent variable carefully.

Synonyms and how they differ

explanatory variable

Used in statistics; it emphasizes that the variable explains changes in another, while 'independent variable' is more common in experiments.

predictor variable

Common in regression analysis; it is the variable used to predict an outcome, similar to an independent variable.

Opposites

Word family

independence noun

The state of being independent; in statistics, the condition of not being influenced by another variable.

independent adjective

Not influenced by something else; used in 'independent variable'.

Commonly confused: independent variable or dependent variable?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “independent variable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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