Question

average annual precipitation by state
louisiana - 59.2 inches
florida - 54.7 inches
hawaii - 50.3 inches
washington - 38.7 inches
california - 23.0 inches
nevada - 09.5 inches
arizona - 11.8 inches
what is the independent variable?
what is the dependent variable?
what is the average rainfall in these states?

Explanation:

1. Independent Variable

The independent variable is the one that is manipulated or is the cause. Here, the states (Louisiana, Florida, etc.) are the entities being considered, and we measure precipitation for each. So the independent variable is the state (or the name of the state).

The dependent variable depends on the independent variable. The average annual precipitation (measured in inches) depends on which state we are looking at. So the dependent variable is the average annual precipitation (in inches).

Step1: Sum all precipitation values

We have the values: 59.2, 54.7, 50.3, 38.7, 23.0, 9.5, 11.8. Let's sum them: $59.2 + 54.7 + 50.3 + 38.7 + 23.0 + 9.5 + 11.8$. First, $59.2+54.7 = 113.9$; $113.9+50.3 = 164.2$; $164.2+38.7 = 202.9$; $202.9+23.0 = 225.9$; $225.9+9.5 = 235.4$; $235.4+11.8 = 247.2$.

Step2: Divide by number of states

There are 7 states. So the average is $\frac{247.2}{7}$.

Step3: Calculate the division

$\frac{247.2}{7}=35.3142857\approx35.31$ (or depending on rounding, maybe to one decimal place: 35.3 or 35.31).

Answer:

State (or Name of the state)

2. Dependent Variable