Final answer:
Dependent and independent refer to variables in mathematics and statistics, where the independent variable is changed to observe effects on the dependent variable, which is measured.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms dependent and independent refer to types of variables used in mathematical functions and statistical analyses. An independent variable is the variable that is being manipulated or changed in an experiment or equation to observe how it affects the dependent variable. Conversely, a dependent variable is the variable that is being tested and measured; it is 'dependent' because its value depends on the changes made to the independent variable.
For example, in a scientific experiment testing how the amount of light affects plant growth, the amount of light is the independent variable since it is what the researcher changes. The growth of the plant is the dependent variable because it is what the researcher observes to change as a result of altering the independent variable.