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independent variable
noun
: a mathematical variable that is independent of the other variables in an expression or function and whose value determines one or more of the values of the other variables
Examples of independent variable in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, the degrees of freedom, or independent variables, that capture the behavior of these systems at microscopic and macroscopic scales have precisely the relationship that the theory predicts.
—Philip Ball, WIRED, 21 July 2024
The idea that multiple independent variables can influence a dependent variable like income is not exactly a new one.
—Wilfred Reilly, National Review, 30 Jan. 2024
This computer could solve complex differential equations of one independent variable with an accuracy that was within a few percent of the correct solution.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 Dec. 2017
There is no single, controllable, independent variable.
—Dan Musgrave, Longreads, 9 May 2023
The predictive power of the model rose to 56-62% when past behavior was included as a third independent variable.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2010
The only independent variable would be a 45-minute dose of bright morning light.
—Kate Greene, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2013
If on the other hand there are many alleles of small effect distributed throughout the genome correlated with geographic ancestry which affect the final phenotype then adding ancestry as an independent variable into the model should be informative.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2013
Moreover, because price is the primary independent variable in a listing, the short time spent on the market suggests that sellers priced right.
—John Walkup, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
1816, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of independent variable was
in 1816
Dictionary Entries Near independent variable
Cite this Entry
“Independent variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent%20variable. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
independent variable
noun
: a variable whose values are specified first or before an experiment is performed and are used to find values of an expression, another variable, or a function that depends on the first variable compare dependent variable
More from Merriam-Webster on independent variable
Britannica English: Translation of independent variable for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about independent variable
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