what is the dependent variable

The dependent variable is the variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation. It is the outcome of interest that "depends" on the independent variable. In an experiment, the dependent variable is the one being measured or tested. In mathematical and statistical modeling, the dependent variable is the one being studied under the assumption that it depends on the values of other variables. Some other terms for dependent variables include response variables, outcome variables, and left-hand-side variables.