In algebra, a symbol (usually a letter) standing in for an unknown numerical value in an equation. Commonly used variables include &math.x; and &math.y; (real-number unknowns), &math.z; (complex-number unknowns), &math.t; (time), &math.r; (radius), and &math.s; (arc length).
Variables should be distinguished from coefficients, fixed values that multiply powers of variables in polynomials and algebraic equations. In the quadratic equation &math.a;&math.x;2 + &math.b;&math.x; + &math.c; = 0, &math.x; is the variable, and &math.a;, &math.b;, and &math.c; are coefficients whose values must be specified to solve the equation. In translating word problems into algebraic equations, quantities to be determined can be represented by variables.
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