The growth of a certain plant was measured over a period of more than a month. Which of the following correctly identifies the variables?

Time (months) is the independent variable

Growth (measured) is the dependent variable.

Explanation:

Let y = growth

Let x = time

The result will yield a relation of the form

y = y (x), or y is a function of x.

x, the time can be controlled. The experimenter can decide how many months to conduct the experiment. It is the independent variable.

y, the growth is a response to the amount of time allowed for growth. It depends on x, therefore y is the dependent variable.