Independent variable

Independent variable
Variable Va"ri*a*ble, n. 1. That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change. [1913 Webster]

2. (Math.) A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x^{2} - y^{2} = R^{2}, x and y are variables. [1913 Webster]

3. (Naut.) (a) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force. (b) pl. Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts. [1913 Webster]

{Independent variable} (Math.), that one of two or more variables, connected with each other in any way whatever, to which changes are supposed to be given at will. Thus, in the equation x^{2} - y^{2} = R^{2}, if arbitrary changes are supposed to be given to x, then x is the independent variable, and y is called a function of x. There may be two or more independent variables in an equation or problem. Cf. {Dependent variable}, under {Dependent}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Independent variable — Independent In de*pend ent, a. [Pref. in not + dependent: cf. F. ind[ e]pendant.] [1913 Webster] 1. Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent. [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • independent variable — n. Math. a variable whose value may be determined freely without reference to other variables …   English World dictionary

  • independent variable — noun (statistics) a variable whose values are independent of changes in the values of other variables • Syn: ↑experimental variable • Topics: ↑statistics • Hypernyms: ↑variable, ↑variable quantity …   Useful english dictionary

  • independent variable — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms independent variable : singular independent variable plural independent variables maths in mathematics, a variable whose value does not depend on the value of something else changing …   English dictionary

  • independent variable — nepriklausomasis kintamasis statusas T sritis automatika atitikmenys: angl. independent variable vok. unabhängige variable, f rus. независимая переменная, f pranc. grandeur indépendante, f …   Automatikos terminų žodynas

  • independent variable — nepriklausomasis kintamasis statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. independent variable vok. unabhängige Veränderliche, f rus. независимая переменная, f pranc. variable indépendante, f …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • independent variable — /ˌɪndɪpendənt veəriəb(ə)l/ noun a factor whose value, when it changes, influences one or more other variables called ‘dependent variables’ ● In this model personal income is the independent variable and expenditure the dependent variable …   Marketing dictionary in english

  • independent variable — variable or factor which is predefined and determines the value of dependent variables …   English contemporary dictionary

  • independent variable — Within a particular study, analysis, or model, the independent (or explanatory) variable is the social element whose characteristics or variations shape and determine the dependent variable: for example, the age of marriage can help explain the… …   Dictionary of sociology

  • independent variable — noun a) In an equation, any variable whose value is not dependent on any other in the equation. In the equation z = x + y, x and y are the independent variables. b) The variable that is changed in a series of experiments …   Wiktionary

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