Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
So there are two types of variables we need to focus on, the first is the dependent variable, the second is the independent variable ( which is the one in question). You asked about it in relation to mathematics, although even across the board, in science they both really mean the same thing. Here's an example, say you are taking a test, and the rubric for grading the test is 5 points (p) for every question (q) answered correctly. So given that information you can conclude that (p) is equal to 5 x the amount of questions you got right (p = 5q). The amount of points in this equation relies on how many questions you get right, you can't logically say that question (q) is equal to 5 points (p), because the questions don't depend on the points, the points depend on the amount of questions you get right. So that means since the points (p) depend on the # of questions you answered correctly, it is the dependent variable, there for by process of elimination you're independent variable is (q) since they don't rely on the points, the points rely on the questions. It all boils down to how well you can recognize this, and how complicated your question is, but hopefully this provided some insight.
