text: is time an independent variable? in a distance/time graph, is time the independent variable? if so, does it go on the x-axis or y-axis? no, time is dependant on your frame of reference according to einstiens theory of relativity.  the twins paradox demonstrates this well.  a pair of twins, both born on the same day.  one remains on earth, the other blasts off in a space ship travelling at 70% of the speed of light.  the space explorer returns after what appears to be one year in space but upon landing finds that the other twin has long since died of old age, so has all his friends.  time slows down the closer you get to the speed of light.  it also slows down the closer you get to large gravity wells like black holes.