Mathematics and Variables ─ Independent Variables and Dependent Variables

Abstract

This study discusses the usages of independent and dependent variables. Independent variables are used in two ways: to denote the input to a function and to define a function. Correspondingly, dependent variables are used to hold the output of a function and to describe the relationship between the inputs and outputs of a function. When translating independent variables and dependent variables of mathematics into predicate logic, mathematical variables are mapped onto both variables and function symbols of predicate logic.