dependent and independent variable definition
A factor or phenomenon that is changed by the effect of an associated factor or phenomenon called the independent variable. For example, consumption is a dependent variable because it is caused and influenced by another variable: income. In a mathematical equation or model, the dependent variable is the variable whose value is to be determined by that equation or model. In an experiment, it is the variable whose behavior under controlled conditions (that are allowed to change in an organized manner) is studied.