Practice deciding which variable belongs on the x-axis and y-axis in scientific graphs using the DRY MIX rule.
Read each problem carefully. Identify the independent and dependent variables, then decide which variable belongs on each axis. Use DRY MIX: Dependent or Responding variable on the Y-axis, Manipulated or Independent variable on the X-axis.
Use DRY MIX to identify dependent, responding, independent, and manipulated variables
Statistics - Grade 6-8
- 1
A student measures how plant height changes after giving plants different amounts of water each day. The amounts of water are 0 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, and 75 mL. The plant height is measured after two weeks. Which variable goes on the x-axis, and which variable goes on the y-axis?
- 2
In an experiment, students test how the temperature of water affects the time it takes for sugar to dissolve. They choose water temperatures of 10°C, 25°C, 40°C, and 60°C. They record the dissolving time in seconds. Label the x-axis and y-axis.
- 3
A class investigates how the number of minutes spent studying affects quiz score. Students record study time in minutes and quiz score as a percent. Which variable is independent, which is dependent, and where does each go on a graph?
- 4
A student rolls toy cars down ramps at different ramp heights and measures the distance each car travels. The ramp height is changed from trial to trial. The distance traveled is recorded in centimeters. What should the x-axis label be? What should the y-axis label be?
- 5
An experiment tests how the amount of fertilizer affects the number of tomatoes produced by a plant. The amount of fertilizer is measured in grams, and the number of tomatoes is counted after one month. Use DRY MIX to decide the axis labels.
- 6
A scientist studies how exercise time affects heart rate. Participants walk for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. Their heart rate is then measured in beats per minute. Which variable belongs on the x-axis, and which belongs on the y-axis?
- 7
A lab group measures how the brightness of a lamp changes as the distance from the lamp increases. Distance from the lamp is measured in centimeters. Brightness is measured in lux. Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, x-axis label, and y-axis label.
- 8
A student records the outside temperature each hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The data will be shown in a line graph. Which variable should go on the x-axis, and which should go on the y-axis?
- 9
A science class tests how salt concentration affects the freezing point of water. Salt concentration is measured in grams per liter, and freezing point is measured in degrees Celsius. Use DRY MIX to choose the axes.
- 10
For a graph, a student labels the x-axis as plant growth and the y-axis as hours of sunlight. The experiment tested how hours of sunlight affect plant growth. Is the graph labeled correctly? Explain the correct labels.
- 11
A student wants to graph the relationship between the number of batteries connected in a circuit and the brightness of a bulb. The number of batteries is 1, 2, 3, or 4. Brightness is measured using a light sensor. What goes on each axis?
- 12
Write your own example of a scientific graph situation. Include one independent variable and one dependent variable. Then state the x-axis label and y-axis label.