Use of Variables

What are all these letters in the equations means? In Algebra we use letters to represent different unknown quantities. The most frequently used letters in algebraic equations are X and Y. In fact, all letters of the alphabet can be used in an equation. In lower grades students might be introduced to symbols like question mark or even an empty box to denote that there is a number missing and this is what they are looking for.

Many of the everyday situations we encounter can be solved using variables. Word problems can also be re-written in the form of an equation, which makes the problem easier to solve.

From words to Variables

Translate the following word problem to an algebraic equation:
Twice my age plus ten is equal to four times my age minus five.

Need More Help on Equations and Variables?

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