A variable is a condition that is liable to change. Most experimental hypothesis use variables to draw up suitable statements to test.
An independent variable is that variable that does not rely on another variable. It induces the change or variation in another variable. In the statement above, the total cost is the independent variable.
The other variable which is the effect resulting from the variation of the independent variable is the dependent variable. Here it is the number of pounds of the candy that changes when total cost varies.
