Final answer:
The independent variable is the term used in mathematics for the variable you control in an experiment, while the dependent variable is what is affected or measured as a result of the independent variable. The independent variable is the presumed cause and the dependent variable is the presumed effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
In mathematics, particularly in statistics and experimental research, the terms independent variable and dependent variable are used to define two types of quantities in a mathematical relationship.
The independent variable is the variable that is controlled and manipulated in an experiment. In contrast, the dependent variable is what we measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. The independent variable is the presumed cause, while the dependent variable is the presumed effect.
For example, if we conducted an experiment to look at the effect of studying hours on test scores, the independent variable would be the hours studied as this is what we control, and the dependent variable would be the test score, as this is the effect or outcome that we measure which is influenced by the studying hours.
Learn more about Independent and dependent variables