In mathematical equations and experiments, a dependent variable is a variable whose value depends on the value of another variable. It is the outcome or result that is being studied and measured in response to changes in the independent variable.
In a simple experiment to measure the growth of a plant, the height of the plant would be the dependent variable. As the amount of water given to the plant (independent variable) changes, the height of the plant will also change accordingly. So, the height of the plant is dependent on the amount of water it receives.