Variables
/ˈvɛriəbəlz/
nounB1plural
Definition
Variables are elements or factors that can change or have different values. In math and science, a variable is a symbol or quantity that can vary. In daily life, variables are things that are not fixed and can be different in different situations.
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See It in Action
In math or science, symbols or values that can change
- •The variable x in the equation can be any number.
- •Scientists change variables in experiments to see what happens.
- •Temperature is a variable that affects how plants grow.
In everyday life, factors or conditions that can be different
- •Many variables affect how long the trip will take.
- •The price of the product depends on several variables.
- •Weather conditions are variables that change every day.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "variables" like "things that can change," but more specific—like names or numbers that are not always the same
- ✓Picture a weather report where temperature, wind, and rain are variables because they change every day
- ✓It's the feeling when you try to solve a puzzle, but some parts keep changing, so you have to think carefully
- ✓Sounds like "very-ables" → imagine things that are "very able" to change or move around
- ✓Think of math problems where letters like x or y stand for numbers that can be many different values
- ✓NOT like "constants" (which stay the same), variables are always able to change or be different
- ✓NOT like "fixed things" (which do not move or change), variables are flexible and open to change
Try Other Words
- •Factor: a part that influences a result (Use when focusing on causes or influences)
- •Element: a part of something (Use when talking about components without focusing on change)
- •Parameter: a limit or boundary in math or science (Use when talking about fixed or set conditions)
- •Condition: a situation or state (Use when referring to circumstances that can change)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "vari-" (from Latin meaning "change") + "-able" (able to) + "-s" (plural)
- •Etymology: From Latin "variabilis," meaning able to change or vary
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to describe things that can change or differ
- •Modern usage: Common in math, science, and everyday language to describe changing elements or factors
Reflect & Connect
•How do variables help us understand and solve problems in math and science?
•Can you think of examples in your daily life where variables make situations uncertain or interesting?
Fill in the blanks
1.In an experiment, scientists change the variables to see how they ___ the results.
2.The weather is a variable that ___ every day and affects our plans.
3.Unlike constants, variables can ___ depending on the situation.
4.When solving math problems, variables are often represented by ___ like x or y.
5.Many variables work ___ together to create complex outcomes.
6.The success of a recipe can depend on variables such as temperature and ___ time.
7.Variables in a study must be carefully controlled to ___ accurate conclusions.