Art of Problem Solving

Variable: Difference between revisions

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Definition: i is not usually used as a variable, p and q are
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== Examples ==
== Examples ==


What plus 7 is 10?
What number, when added to 7, gives a sum of 10?


Write an equation that uses a '''variable''' to represent the part that is unknown.
Write an equation that uses a '''variable''' to represent the part that is unknown.


<math>\displaystyle7+n=10</math>
<math>\displaystyle7+n=10</math>

Revision as of 12:20, 8 July 2006

Definition

A variable does not have a set value. Its value can change, and a variable is used to represent unknowns in equations.

Any symbol may be used as a variable, but the most common variables are x, y, z, n, a, b, c, p, and q.

Examples

What number, when added to 7, gives a sum of 10?

Write an equation that uses a variable to represent the part that is unknown.

$\displaystyle7+n=10$