dependent variable

[ dih-pen-duhnt vair-ee-uh-buhl ]

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 . Compare independent variable ( def 1 ).
2. Statistics. (in an experiment) the event studied and expected to change when the independent variable is changed. Compare independent variable ( def 2 ), control variable ( def 1 ).

dependent variable

noun

1. a variable in a mathematical equation or statement whose value depends on that taken on by the independent variable

   in "y = f(x)", "y'"is the dependent variable

2. psychol statistics the variable measured by the experimenter. It is controlled by the value of the independent variable, of which it is an index

dependent variable

/ dĭ-pĕn′dənt /

1. In mathematics, a variable whose value is determined by the value of an independent variable. For example, in the formula for the area of a circle, A = π r ², A is the dependent variable, as its value depends on the value of the radius ( r ).
2. Compare independent variable

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependent variable¹

First recorded in 1850–55