Dependent and independent variables

In mathematics, a function is a rule for taking an input (usually number or set of numbers) and providing an output (which is also usually a number). A symbol that stands for an arbitrary input is called an independent variable, while a symbol that stands for an arbitrary output is called a dependent variable. The most common symbol for the input is x, and the most common symbol for the output is y; the function itself is commonly written . , where z is a dependent variable and x and y are independent variables. Functions with multiple outputs are often written as vector-valued functions.

Dependent and independent variables

In mathematics, a function is a rule for taking an input (usually number or set of numbers) and providing an output (which is also usually a number). A symbol that stands for an arbitrary input is called an independent variable, while a symbol that stands for an arbitrary output is called a dependent variable. The most common symbol for the input is x, and the most common symbol for the output is y; the function itself is commonly written . , where z is a dependent variable and x and y are independent variables. Functions with multiple outputs are often written as vector-valued functions.