Final answer:
In mathematics and economics, the variable that is affected by another variable within a function rule is called the dependent variable. It represents the 'effect' and is determined by independent variables, such as combined_SAT scores, class attendance, and hours spent studying in the context of calculating GPA.
Step-by-step explanation:
In mathematics and economics, when discussing functions, the variable that is affected by the changes in another variable is known as the dependent variable. In the context of a function rule, such as the one determining your GPA, the dependent variable is the outcome or the 'effect' that is being explained. On the other hand, the variables responsible for causing this effect are called independent variables. For instance, if we have a function rule like GPA = 0.25 x combined_SAT + 0.25 × class_attendance + 0.50 × hours_spent_studying, the GPA is the dependent variable because its value is the result of the combined influences of the independent variables: combined_SAT scores, class attendance, and hours spent studying.