To find the independent variable among the options given, we need to understand what an independent variable is. In a relationship between two variables, the independent variable is the one that influences or determines the value of the other variable, called the dependent variable.
From the scenario described, where the number of credit hours influences the amount of tuition, the number of student loans available, and the amount of access fees, we can identify that these three aspects depend upon how many credit hours are taken by the student.
Therefore:
- The "amount of tuition" increases with the number of credit hours, making it a dependent variable.
- The "number of student loans available" increases with the number of credit hours, making it a dependent variable.
- The "amount of access fees" increases with the number of credit hours, making it a dependent variable.
- The "number of credit hours" is what determines the changes in the other three variables, which means it is influencing them and is not influenced by them. Thus, the number of credit hours is the independent variable.
So the correct answer is the "number of credit hours." It is the independent variable because it is the one that is set first and other variables change in response to it.
