Name the independent and the dependent variables of the following equations:
` y = - 5 x- 8 `

Answer

To identify the independent and dependent variables in the equation \( y = -5x - 8 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Equation
The equation given is \( y = -5x - 8 \). This is a linear equation where \( y \) is expressed in terms of \( x \).

**Hint:** In any equation, the variable that is manipulated or changed is usually the independent variable.

### Step 2: Identify the Independent Variable
In this equation, \( x \) is the independent variable. This means we can choose different values for \( x \) freely.

**Hint:** The independent variable is the one you can control or change without being affected by other variables.

### Step 3: Identify the Dependent Variable
The variable \( y \) is dependent on the value of \( x \). This means that the value of \( y \) changes based on the value we choose for \( x \).

**Hint:** The dependent variable is the one that responds to the changes in the independent variable.

### Final Answer
- **Independent Variable:** \( x \)
- **Dependent Variable:** \( y \)