IXL Algebra1 - Q.3 Identify Independent and Dependent Variables

The x value is the independent variable and the y-values are the dependent variables.
We sometimes say that y is a function of x or y = f(x), because the value of y DEPENDS on the value of x. Some functions (especially) one - to - one functions have inverses that are functions, so it is possible that the roles can be reversed.
In general, time is nearly always an independent variable. Imagine what would happen if it was the dependent quantity. Suppose Juan gets paid more at the end of the month, his pay depends on the time of the month. If this were reversed, his boss could pay Juan more and jump forward in time to the end of the month ... doesn't quite work that way.