Question

the students in angies spanish class are planning a trip to guatemala, during which they will stay with local host families. the number of host families they will need depends on the number of students who go on the trip.

$f =$ the number of host families they will need
$s =$ the number of students who go on the trip

which of the variables is independent and which is dependent?

$f$ is the independent variable and $s$ is the dependent variable
$s$ is the independent variable and $f$ is the dependent variable

Explanation:

An independent variable is the one that is controlled or changed, while a dependent variable depends on the independent variable. Here, the number of host families ($f$) is determined by the number of students ($s$) going on the trip, so $s$ is independent and $f$ depends on it.

Answer:

s is the independent variable and f is the dependent variable