Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Practice Exam

In the equation y = kx, the dependent variable is represented by y. This is because the value of y depends on the value of x and the constant k. As x changes, y will change based on the multiplication of x by the constant k. Essentially, for any given value of x, y will produce a specific output according to the relationship defined by the equation.

The variable x, on the other hand, is the independent variable because it can be freely changed without being influenced by another variable in this context. The constant k simply acts as a coefficient that scales the value of x; it does not represent a variable but rather a fixed value that influences the outcome of y. Therefore, in the specific context of this equation, it is clear that y is dependent on the input of x, confirming that it is indeed the dependent variable.