Using Variables in Math

Intro to Variables and Constants

In this lesson you will learn the basis of variables and constants and how to solve them.

Variables

-These are letters from the alphabet that has a value of "1" on its own. If combined with a number, it's value disappears and it becomes similar to that of a label but for numbers.

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What are Variables and Constants?

Constants are any numbers that does not change its value and stays the same before adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing it.

Constants

​ It is a numerical or constant quantity placed before multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression.

Coefficients

And Numerical Quantities

Solving Variables and Constants

Step-by-step explanation

To solve variables and constants, we must learn how to identify what like terms and unlike terms are.

Like terms- they are arithmetic (mathematical) numbers or quantities that have the same variables in each group despite varying in numerical value. e.g. 7ab and 9ab have the same variables and are like terms.

Unlike terms- They are numbers that do not have anything in common regarding the variables they are grouped with. e.g. 4x and 3y are unlike terms.

Solving Variables and Constants

Step-by-step solution

Solving Like and Unlike terms:

If there are more than one unlike or like terms in one equation, then you add the numbers that are like terms or have the same variables and copy down the unlike term next to the final answer.

For example: So the answer is 8ab - 3xy

6ab + 2ab -3xy

= 6ab+2ab

= 8ab - 3xy

Solving Variables and Constants with Negative Numbers

Step-by-step explanation

When solving variables and constants with negative numbers, you apply the rules of integers.

For example: So (-5ab)+(-2ab) - 3x is equal (-7) - 3x

(-5ab)+(-2ab) - 3x

= (-7) - 3x

You solve the first two numbers and ignore the variables. Then copy down the variables and the unlike terms.

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