Final answer:
In the function h(4) = 3 × 4 = 12, the independent variable is the input value 4, and the dependent variable is the output value 12. The independent variable can be freely changed, while the dependent variable is determined by the independent variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
We can determine the independent and dependent variables in the function h(4) = 3 × 4 = 12. The value 4 in h(4) is the independent variable, which is the input to the function h. In this case, the input we select is number 4, which we can alter to obtain various outputs. The result of the function h, which is dependent on the independent variable, is the dependent variable. The outcome of applying the function to the independent variable 4, in this case, is the dependent variable, which is 12.
In general, when we talk about functions in the form of y = f(x), x is the independent variable since it is the value we can choose or control, and y is the dependent variable as it relies on the value of x.