Final answer:
The independent variable goes on the x-axis because it represents the variable that is controlled or manipulated. The dependent variable goes on the y-axis because it represents the non-manipulated variable that changes with the value of the independent variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
When creating a graph, the x-axis represents the independent variable, which is the variable that is controlled or manipulated. The y-axis represents the dependent variable, which is the non-manipulated variable that changes with the value of the independent variable. In mathematical terms, the x-axis is usually referred to as the independent variable (usually denoted as 'x'), and the y-axis is the dependent variable (usually denoted as 'y'). For example, if you are graphing the relationship between time and distance, time would go on the x-axis and distance would go on the y-axis.