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Constants and Variables

A mathematical equation is made up of two terms; one is the constant, and the other one is the variables. Constants and variables are used in the majority of mathematics subjects like trigonometry, algebra, conic sections, etc.

Constant and variable are the two-term that go hand in hand with each other. One cannot be used by neglecting the other. We can understand the difference between constants and variables by taking a real-life example. Suppose. Ram is 10 years old boy. Ram bought a shirt for himself. After three years, Ram has turned 13, but now he cannot wear that same shirt again. This is because the height of Ram is a variable because it will grow with changing time but the shirt he bought will remain the same size forever, which makes it a constant.  There are many more differences between constants and variables that you will get to know by reading this article. 

What are Constants?

A constant is that section of any equation, whose value doesn’t change at all.  A fixed value in an expression that is used in algebraic equations is known as a constant. A constant is the fixed quantity that can be a physical quantity whose defined value does not change with changing of any other external factors like change in time, or change in input values in any expression. 

For example, Ram bought that shirt which he was not able to wear because the shirt is a non-living matter, the size of which does not change with the changing height and age of Ram. So, the size of the shirt is constant.

Similarly, the size of any of Ram’s shoes, pair of footwear, or any apparel will stay the same irrespective of the time constraints. 

In the mathematical expression,

x + y = 15. 

This equation has two sections, one is LHS and the other is RHS. 

The value of (x + y) is not known or even predicted, whereas 15 is a numerical value that is fixed. So, 15 in this algebraic equation is a constant. 

What are Variables?

A variable is that section of any equation, whose value can be altered provided some conditions are modified.  A not fixed value in an expression that is used in algebraic equations is known as a variable. A variable is a quantity that can be a physical quantity whose defined value can be changed by changing any other external factors like change of time, or change in input values in any expression. 

For example, Ram bought that shirt which he was not able to wear because the shirt is a non-living matter, the size of which does not change with the changing height and age of Ram. But, Ram’s height is changing with time, as he is growing older. His weight and the build of his body are changing factors that’s why his height of Ram is a variable value.

Similarly, the size of any of Ram’s wrists, and feet will change depending on the rate of his physical development with growing into an adult. 

In the mathematical expression,

x + y = 15. 

This equation has two sections, one is LHS and the other is RHS. 

The value of (x + y) is not known or even predicted, which means we can put x = 7 and y = 8 to get 15 or we can even put x = 8 and y = 7, to get 15. So, x and y in this algebraic equation are variables. 

Constants And Variable: Difference

We can get into more differences in this section. How constants and variables play a significant role to support each other in any equation, even though they are different.

Constants

Variables

A constant is that section of any equation, whose value doesn’t change at all

 A fixed value in an expression that is used in algebraic equations is known as constant.

A variable is that section of any equation, whose value can be altered provided some conditions are modified

In the majority of cases, a constant is generally a numeric value like 37,  65

A constant can be both negative and positive natural numbers

Even irrational numbers, such as pi, have a fixed value

Variables are frequently represented by the use of small alphabets like a, x, y, b

The alphabet can also be derived from any language like alpha, beta, gamma

English or Greek languages are also used, for example

The value of a constant can never be modified or formatted by our choices

Very restricted in regards to flexibility

The value of a variable can be changed or modified according to our choice at any time

We can even change the language, can use uppercase or lowercase characters, and even phrases as variables

In the equation 5x + 12 = 43, for example, 12 and 43 are both constants

They will be 12 and 43 even if we make changes in x

In the equation, 45x – 10y = 220, x and y are the variables, and the value of x and y have to change in compensating to get the result of 220

Conclusion

Variables are always represented by letters of the alphabet, which can range from a to z or A to Z. Variables can even be made up of Greek or Roman letters. The English variables a, b, c, or x, y, z are extremely popular and are helpful in writing equations and inequations of all kinds. Variable angles are represented by Greek letters such as (theta) θ; the theta symbol is used predominantly in trigonometry. 

Constants and variables are the building blocks of mathematical equations. Whole numbers, fractions, decimal numbers, irrational or rational numbers are all examples of constants. These integers are considered constants in equations because they are fixed and will not vary under any circumstances.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the NEET UG Examination Preparation.

What is the value of x in the given equation x+3=15?

Answer: x + 3 = 15; x = 15 – 3; therefore x = 12.

Find constants and variables in the given expression. (i) 9x = 81 (ii) x + y = -23

Answer: 9, 81 and -23 are constants, whereas x, y are variables. 

 

What is an algebraic equation?

Answer: An algebraic equation is an expression that has some variables and constants in the form of...Read full