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B. Types of variables
Two-dimensional data is based on two variables: an independent variable and a dependent one. The dependent variable's value is based on the value of the independent one. The equation relating the variables indicates what happens to the dependent variable as the independent one changes.
With measurements, the independent variable values indicate where they are made, the dependent variable values are the measurements.
When plotting data, the independent variable is on the x-axis while the dependent is on the y-axis, Figure I-1.
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| Figure I-1 Plotting Data |