identify the independent and dependent variable of the following graph. indicate whether the graph rises, falls, or is constant. net profit of a particular business in relation to time given quarterly. a. independent variable: time, dependent variable: net profit graph falls and then steadily rises b. independent variable: net profit, dependent variable: time graph starts low, rises until it reaches a maximum point and then falls c. independent variable: time, dependent variable: net profit graph starts out rising and starts falling mid-year. at the beginning of 2006 it is at the minimum value and begins rising again before staying at a fairly constant rate for the remainder of the year. d. independent variable: net profit, dependent variable: time graph starts out rising and starts falling mid-year. at the beginning of 2006 it is at the minimum value and begins rising again before staying at a fairly constant rate for the remainder of the year.