for Teachers for Schools for Enterprise
for Teachers for Schools for Enterprise
Copyright
Course Navigator
Double-Digit Addition Without RegroupingNext Lesson 

What are Variables in Math? - Definition & Examples

Chapter 4 /  Lesson 1   Transcript
Try it risk-free for 30 days

An error occurred trying to load this video.

Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support.

Coming up next: Double-Digit Addition Without Regrouping

You're on a roll. Keep up the good work!

Take Quiz Watch Next Lesson
 Replay
Your next lesson will play in 10 seconds
  • 0:05 Defining Variables
  • 1:42 Using Variables
  • 2:54 When to Use Variables
  • 3:42 Lesson Summary
Add to Add to Add to

Want to watch this again later?

Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course.

Login or Sign up

Timeline
Autoplay
Autoplay
Speed

Recommended Lessons and Courses for You

Lesson Transcript
Instructor: Yuanxin (Amy) Yang Alcocer

Amy has a master's degree in secondary education and has taught math at a public charter high school.

Variables are seen in almost all math applications beginning with algebra. In this lesson, learn why variables are not something to be afraid of or some concept that is impossible to grasp. Learn what makes them so useful to mathematicians and to you.

Defining Variables

Variables are nothing more than a placeholder. They stand for things that you want to find out but don't have the answer to yet. Think back to grade school when you were learning addition and multiplication. Did your teacher ask you, 'What plus two equals five?' Well, when the teacher uses the word 'what,' she actually used it as a variable. The 'what' is something you wanted to know but didn't have the answer to right away.

Now, of course, you wouldn't even blink at that question. You quickly would answer 'three' and not even think twice about the 'what.'

In math lingo, there is a formality when it comes to variables. When you write them, instead of using the word 'what,' you would use letters. You can use any letter you choose. Typically, we stick to the English alphabet but technically, you can use any easy-to-identify symbol as your choice.

The two most common variables you will encounter in your schooling career are the variables x and y. Don't ask the reason why these two are the most popular. They just are and have been in use for so many years past. They are easy to spot and to identify, which makes them ideal candidates for a wide variety of mathematical applications.

Just because x and y are the two most popular variables doesn't mean you have to use just those two. You can use anything you wish. You have numerous choices to pick from.

Examples of variables
variables

Any letter you can think of can be used as a variable. They can be uppercase or lowercase. When you get into more complex math applications, you might have several variables in one equation, so your ability to use more than one variable at a time will become important.

Using Variables

Variables have always stood in the place of an unknown answer. Their use remains the same. They always stand for something you want to know but don't have the answer to. With the aid of variables and algebra, you can find out the answer.

Going back to grade school again, let's look more carefully at the question 'What plus two equals five?' We now know that the 'what' stands for a variable. We also know now that we can choose any letter for our variable. So, let us choose x. Why not? It's an easy letter to choose and there is a phrase that goes, 'X marks the spot.' That's easy to remember.

Using a variable part 1
variables

To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account

Register to view this lesson

Are you a student or a teacher?

Unlock Your Education

See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com

Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a Member  Back
What teachers are saying about Study.com
Try it risk-free for 30 days
Description

Earning College Credit

Did you know… We have over 160 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.

To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page

Transferring credit to the school of your choice

Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.

Research Schools, Degrees & Careers

Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school.

Browse Articles By Category

Browse an area of study or degree level.

Recommended Articles
You are viewing lesson Lesson 1 in chapter 4 of the course:

 Back To Course

General Studies Math: Help & Review

8 chapters | 85 lessons

Ch 4. Basic Math Problems
Ch 5. Data, Statistics & Probability...

What are Variables in Math? - Definition & Examples Related Study Materials

Create an account to start this course today
Try it risk-free for 30 days!
Create An Account

Explore our library of over 75,000 lessons

Browse by subject
Support