Alexander can earn money for the cans he recycles. Which of the following statements describes the variables in this situation correctly? The number of cans recycled is the independent variable because it affects the amount of money earned. The number of cans recycled is the dependent variable because it affects the amount of money earned. The amount of money earned is the independent variable because it affects the number of cans recycled. The amount of money earned is the dependent variable because it affects the number of cans recycled.