DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VARIABLE AND CONSTANT

About "Difference between variable and constant"

"Difference between variable and constant" is the basic stuff required for the students who would like to study Algebra in Math. 

The difference between variable and constant is explained here. 

Let us consider some problems on simple equations to have better understanding on "Variables". 

Problem 1 : 

Solve for "x" :  3x + 6 = 18

3x + 6 = 18 -------> 3x = 12 -------> x = 4

Problem 2 : 

Solve for "x" :  x - 2 = 0

x - 2 = 0  -------> x = 2

Problem 3 : 

Solve for "x" :  9x = 27

9x = 27 -------> x = 3

Problem 4 : 

Solve for "x" :  x + 3 = -2

x + 3 = -2 -------> x = -2 -3 -------> x = -5

In all the above problems, we have got value for the same alphabet "x". 

Even though we have the same alphabet "x", we don't get the same value for "x".

We get different value for "x". So the value of "x" is being changed.

Hence, "x" is considered to be variable. 

Some real life examples

Let us consider some real life example on "Difference between constant and variable"

Constant  Value of $100 currency

Variable Cost of a garment

Constant : 

Let us consider $100 currency. 

What is the value of $100 currency when i have it in Newyork?

Its value is value $100

What is the value of $100 currency when i have it in Sancfrancisco?

Its value is value $100

What is the value of $100 currency when i have it in Chicago?

Its value is value $100

From the above questions and answers, one thing is very clear. That is,. in whichever part of America i go, the value of the currency $100 is same.  It is not changed in different parts of the country. So $100 is constant. 

Variable : 

Let us consider a garment whose cost is  "x" dollars. 

The manufacturer of the garment sells it to the wholesaler at the cost of $40.

So, x = $40

The wholesaler sells it to the retailer at the cost of $44.

So x = $44

The retailer sells it to the customer at the cost of $50. 

So x = $50

The garment is same. But, when it is in manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer, its cost is different. 

Hence, the cost of the garment "x" is variable.

Arbitrary constant

Some English alphabets will have fixed values, but the values will be unknown. 

For  example, Let "k" be arbitrary constant. 

Then, "k" will have only one fixed value and it is unknown.