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Mathematics vocabulary · Algebra and Equations

Variable

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/ˈveriəbəl/nounCore term

In mathematics, variable means: A letter or symbol, such as x or y, that stands for a number which can change or which you do not know yet.

In Turkish: değişken, bilinmeyen

How it is used

Used in algebra, functions and statistics. You introduce, define, isolate and substitute a variable. Teachers distinguish the independent variable (the input, often x) from the dependent variable (the output, often y).

Example sentences

  1. Let's use the variable t for time in seconds.

  2. Isolate the variable on one side before you divide.

Common collocations

  • independent variable
  • dependent variable
  • isolate the variable
  • define a variable
  • solve for the variable
  • equationA mathematical statement with an equals sign, showing that two expressions have the same value, such as 2x + 3 = 11.
  • expressionA combination of numbers, variables and operation signs, such as 4x² − 3x + 7, that has no equals sign and can be simplified or evaluated.
  • coefficientThe number that multiplies a variable in a term; in 5x² − 3x, the coefficient of x² is 5 and the coefficient of x is −3.
  • functionA rule that takes each input from a set and gives exactly one output, for example f(x) = 2x + 1, which doubles a number and adds one.
  • let x beA fixed phrase used to introduce a variable or an assumption at the start of a solution or proof, as in 'Let x be the number of tickets sold'.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Algebra and Equations

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