Question

Discussion Topic

Answer 1

Variables are difficult and confusing to me, but I get them enough to solve equations.  For example, for some equations that I am doing now, they are; 2x^2 + 4x + 10, and there are variables that you can use for these.  You could have, A(x)^2 + B(x) + C for your problem and you had to plug all of the variables in.  A=2, B=4, C=10.  Then you have your equation right there.  

In real life, there are variables that you have to have for everyday life.  If your job is in construction, or you are pouring concrete and you need volume or surface area, you would use a variable for the radius, r.  When you buy gas and you want to figure your miles per gallon cost/ratio, your variable is simple.  Say I drove 100 miles, and I have a 20 gallon tank and I want to figure out the miles per gallon.  100/20=x.  Or if you don't know how many gallons go in your tank, it is 100/y=x.  Then when you fill your vehicle up and you figure out how many gallons go into your tank, you eliminated both of your variables right then and there.  100/20=5.  

When you go to grocery stores, the sales tax is the variable.  Say you bought $95.34 worth of stuff, and you don't know your sales tax, that is your variable.  $95.34 + x% = y.  Then you figure out your sales tax, and you eliminated your variables, say your sales tax is 11.5%, move the decimal point to the left two times and you have your decimal, and multiply your number by it.  Your sales tax is $10.96, and your total is $106.30.  

So no matter how confusing and ridiculous variables seem, especially when you have super long problems that take 5 - 10 minutes to solve, variables are used in real life and they are important when you are doing a job that you are constantly using math and other things.  

I do hope I helped you out.