Definition:Independent Variable/Real Function

Definition

Let $f: \R \to \R$ be a real function.

Let $\map f x = y$.

Then $x$ is referred to as an independent variable.

Also see

• Definition:Real Dependent Variable

Linguistic Note

The terms independent variable and dependent variable arise from the idea that it is usual to consider that $x$ can be chosen independently of $y$, but having chosen $x$, the value of $y$ then depends on the value of $x$.

Sources

• 1963: Morris Tenenbaum and Harry Pollard: Ordinary Differential Equations ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Basic Concepts: Lesson $2 \text B$: The Meaning of the Term Function of One Independent Variable: Example $2.2$
• 1973: G. Stephenson: Mathematical Methods for Science Students (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Real Numbers and Functions of a Real Variable: $1.3$ Functions of a Real Variable