Atelevision of mass 12 kg sits on a table. the coefficient of static friction between the table and the television is 0.83. what is the minimum applied force that will cause the television to slide

The normal reaction between the television and the table is
N = 12 × 9.8 m/s² = 117.6 Newtons

But the static coefficient of friction is μ = 0.83

When the television is about to slide on the table, the applied force should overcome the force due to static friction;
Thus; the applied force should be at least 
F = μN
  = 0.83 × 117.6 N
  = 97.608 Newtons
Therefore; the minimum applied force will be 97.6 Newtons.

The independent variable would be the fertilizer as it is what the dependent variable (the growth of grass) depends on.