1. Let's start by stating the problem: understanding the difference between independent and dependent variables. 2. In mathematics and science, an **independent variable** is the variable that you change or control in an experiment or function. It is the input. 3. The **dependent variable** is the variable that depends on the independent variable. It is the output or the result you measure. 4. For example, in the function $y = 2x + 3$, $x$ is the independent variable because you can choose any value for $x$. 5. The value of $y$ depends on $x$, so $y$ is the dependent variable. 6. To summarize: the independent variable is what you change, and the dependent variable is what changes because of it.