Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The independent variable is the variable in a mathematical equation or function that can be freely chosen or manipulated. It represents the input or cause of a relationship and is not affected by any other variables.
Related terms
Dependent Variable: The dependent variable is the variable in a mathematical equation or function that represents the output or effect of a relationship. It depends on the value of the independent variable.