Question

A scientist discovered that new spider can grow 5 legs every year, on top of the 4 legs it already started with. Scientists used the formula:

s=5L+4
In this situation, what is the dependent variable?

A. s
B. 5
C. L
D. 4

Answer 1

In the formula s = 5L + 4, 's' is the dependent variable because it represents the total number of spider legs, which depends on 'L', the number of years.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given formula s = 5L + 4, the dependent variable is represented by s. A dependent variable is the variable that depends on the value of another variable, called the independent variable. In this context, s represents the total number of spider legs, which depends on L, the number of years that have passed. Since the number of legs grows in response to the passing time, s ('the number of spider legs') changes as a result of changes in L ('the number of years'). Therefore, L is the independent variable and s is the dependent variable, making option A the correct answer.