Variables & Graphing

A variable is anything that can change or be changed. In other words, it is any factor that can be manipulated, controlled for, or measured in an experiment. The 3 main types are

• Independent - The factor that is changed

• ​Dependent - The factor that is measured

• Controlled - The factors that are kept the same​

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​Types of variables

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During an experiment, you measure how much each variable changes. At the end, we have a lot of data that needs to be put in a format that makes it easy for people to understand. For this, scientists use data tables, charts and graphs.

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​Graphing

When creating a graph, ​you must remember to put the variables on the correct axes. The independent variable goes on the X-axis and the dependent variable goes on the Y-axis. The acronym DRY MIX can help you to remember this.

​Graphing variables