How do you separate the words responding variables into syllables?

Here's how to separate "responding variables" into syllables:

* re- (one syllable)

* spond- (one syllable)

* ing (one syllable)

* va- (one syllable)

* ri- (one syllable)

* a- (one syllable)

* bles (one syllable)

Therefore, "responding variables" is broken down into seven syllables.