⊿ Point. {R} Glossary. ◢ Keyword: D. ◥ University. {q} PhD. {tr} Training. ⚫ UK. ↂ EndNote. ☢️ I' Variable. ☝️ Weerakkody. Dependent and independent variables. Concept in mathematical modeling, statistical modeling and experimental sciences A variable is considered dependent if it depends on an independent variable. Dependent variables are studied under the supposition or demand that they depend, by some law or rule (e.g., by a mathematical function), on the values of other variables.
Independent variables, in turn, are not seen as depending on any other variable in the scope of the experiment in question. [a] In this sense, some common independent variables are time, space, density, mass, fluid flow rate,[1][2] and previous values of some observed value of interest (e.g. human population size) to predict future values (the dependent variable).[3] Of the two, it is always the dependent variable whose variation is being studied, by altering inputs, also known as regressors in a statistical context.
In pure mathematics [edit] It is possible to have multiple independent variables or multiple dependent variables. In modeling and statistics.