Variable

A variable in statistics refers to a measurement whose value can vary. For example, the variable "speed" (e.g., of a car) can vary between 0 and the maximum speed of the car.

A variable differs from a constant, which is a fixed value.

More
For people used to basic math, it may be confusing to think of a math problem that starts with, but in algebra such combinations are common.

a stands for a number we don't know. It could be 1, 5, 7, ¾: any number you can imagine. What we call a is a variable, because unlike normal, or constant, numbers, it may vary.

A variable can be any letter. t is seldom used as a variable because it can get mixed up with +, but x is a commonly used variable. It doesn't get confused with X, the sign for multiplication, because in algebra X is not used for that purpose: * or parentheses are used instead. ( and   mean the same thing as  .)

How is it used?
Variables are used as placeholders in problems; they stand for unknown numbers. It may be easy to figure out what the variable stands for; it may be difficult; it may be impossible.

In the problem, c could be any number which can be made by combining two other numbers. c could be 3, as. c could be 72, as. Where a problem gives more information, the number of solutions becomes more limited. In the problems  and , there are limited values that could be true of c.

Figuring out the variable can be as simple as doing the basic math. With the problem, we simply add 1 and 2 to figure out that the variable, c, equals 3. It can become considerably more complex. Sometimes, a solution is not possible, and the goal is to simplify or reduce the problem as far as it can be simplified. We cannot figure out what c is in the problem, but we can simplify it into.

Exercises
For more information, see Solving equations. Here are a few simple problems to help you get used to the idea.

Find the value of the variable.  {1 + 3 = e e={ 4_2 }
 * type="{}"}

{3 + 9 = x x={ 12_2 }
 * type="{}"}

{10 - 4 = a a={ 6_2 }
 * type="{}"}

{4 * 2 = y y={ 8_2 }
 * type="{}"}

{10(2) = k k={ 20_2 }
 * type="{}"}

{7 + 11 = l l={ 18_2 }
 * type="{}"}

{5(a) = 15 a= { 3_2 } Back to Pre-Algebra
 * type="{}"}