Independent Variable

Definition of Independent Variable

• Independent variable is a variable in an equation, whose values make up the domain.
• In other words, an independent variable in an equation may have its value freely chosen regardless the values of any other variable.

Examples of Independent Variable

• In the equation y = 7x + 5, the independent variable is x. The variable y is not independent, because it depends on the value chosen for x.

Solved Example on Independent Variable

What is the independent variable in the function?

Choices:

A.

B.

C. x

D. no independent variable

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: Independent variable is a variable in an equation, whose values make up the domain.

Step 2: So, the independent variable in the given equation is x.

Related Terms for Independent Variable

• Domain
• Variable
• Equation

Additional Links for Independent Variable

• Click here for samples
• Back to Mathematics Dictionary