Maths glossary · New Zealand
Variable
A letter or symbol that stands for a number you don't know yet, or one that can change.
Solving an equation means finding the value of the variable that makes both sides equal.
Example: In n + 5 = 12, the variable n is 7.
Lessons, worksheets, practice and tools on this: Patterns and algebra.
Related words
- Pattern rule: A description of how a pattern starts and how it changes each time.
- Inequality: A statement that two amounts are not equal, using symbols such as <, > or ≠.
- Integer: Any whole number, its opposite, or zero: ..., −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, ...
- Negative number: A number less than zero, written with a minus sign.