text: # Math
  
  posted by .
  
  I'm trying to help my daughter that is in the 6th grade, but I have no idea what a variable is, please advise.
  
  • Math -
  
  A variable is something that DOES change. For example, we may let x equal the number of people who dine each night at a local eatery. Or we might let y equal the number of animals seen on the streets each night. A variable usually is part of an equation such as the cost of a ticket to a play is \$5 per ticket. What is the total cost if x people attend the play. Total cost = 5x.
  Therefore, if 5 people attend, then x is 5 and 5x = \$25 for the total cost. I hope this helps.