Final answer:
The independent and dependent variables are the two variables being graphed to show a relationship. The slope and y-intercept of a line can be used to compare two relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The independent and dependent variables are the two variables that are being graphed to show a relationship. The independent variable is the variable that is being controlled or manipulated, while the dependent variable is the variable that is being observed or measured. For example, if we are graphing the relationship between time spent studying and test scores, time spent studying would be the independent variable and test scores would be the dependent variable.
To graph the relationship, you would typically plot points on a scatter plot with the independent variable on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis. Each point represents the values of both variables for a particular observation.
When comparing two relationships, you can analyze the characteristics of the lines. The slope of a line represents the rate of change or the steepness of the relationship. The y-intercept represents the value of the dependent variable when the independent variable is equal to zero. By comparing the slopes and intercepts of the lines, you can compare the relationships and determine which one is steeper or has a higher initial value.