Identify Dependent and Independent Variables
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Identify Dependent and Independent Variables" is written for 6th Grade (Ages 11-12), and it covers Common Core 6.EE.C.9. If your student is a year younger but already steady on algebra, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and dependent and independent variables never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.
6th grade math worksheet: name the independent and dependent variable in 8 situations like Ella earning $12 an hour. Answer key included. Part of our dependent and independent variables algebra collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Begin with the situations page to set the vocabulary. Then work from equations to tables, tables to equations, and finish with graphing.
What students will practice
- Students will read 8 real situations and name the independent variable.
- Students will name the dependent variable that changes, such as pages read or calories burned.
- Students will explain cause and effect, such as a candle getting shorter as it burns.
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Expressions and Equations · 6th Grade
Standard: Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one quantity, the dependent variable, in terms of the other quantity, the independent variable. Analyze the relationship using graphs and tables, and relate these to the equation.
View all 6.EE.C.9 worksheets →Find this in the curriculum
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FAQ
How do I use this dependent and independent variables worksheet?
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Begin with the situations page to set the vocabulary. Then work from equations to tables, tables to equations, and finish with graphing.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Name the independent and dependent variable in 8 situations like Ella earning $12 an hour. The dependent variable changes because of the independent variable, so the total cost of movie tickets depends on how many tickets you buy. The directions on the page read: Read each situation. Write the independent variable and the dependent variable. An answer key is included.
Can I use this dependent and independent variables worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 6th Grade algebra, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with dependent and independent variables. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
What is the difference between a dependent and an independent variable?
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The independent variable is the one you change or choose, and the dependent variable changes because of it. When Ella earns $12 for each hour she works, hours worked is independent and money earned is dependent.
How do you write an equation for a table?
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Look at how each x becomes y. If y is always 3 times x, as in 1 to 3 and 4 to 12, the equation is y = 3x. If y is always 5 more, as in 2 to 7, the equation is y = x + 5.
Do students graph the equations?
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Yes. One page has students complete tables for y = 2x and y = x + 3, plot the points on a grid and describe the pattern, such as y going up by 2 when x goes up by 1.
Is there an answer key?
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Yes. All 4 worksheets in this group have an answer key.
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