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independent variable vs. dependent variable

independent variable

[ in-di-pen-duhnt vair-ee-uh-buhl ]
noun
  1. a variable in a functional relation whose value determines the value or values of other variables, as x in the relation y = 3x2.
  2. (in an experiment) a variable that is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

dependent variable

[ dih-pen-duhnt vair-ee-uh-buhl ]
noun
  1. 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 = 3x2.
  2. (in an experiment) the event studied and expected to change when the independent variable is changed.