A variable is a quantity or condition that can change or take different values.

The idea

As a countable noun, variable has the plural variables. A study may measure or change a variable.

Examples

  • Temperature is one variable in the experiment.
  • The researchers changed only one variable at a time.
  • Travel time is a variable we must consider.
  • In this model, the variable represents household income.
  • Weather is an unpredictable variable in our outdoor festival plans.
  • Mina compared the results across several variables.

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Watch out

Do not confuse a variable with a constant: a constant stays fixed in the situation being considered.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form. The team measured two ___ in the study. (variable / variables)

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    variables

    Variables follows two because it is plural.

  2. Choose the correct form. In the test, light level was the ___ that changed. (variable / constant)

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    variable

    Variable names the light level that changed during the test.

  3. Choose the correct form. The price may change, so it is a ___. (variable / fixed value)

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    variable

    Variable fits because the price can change.

Use it today

Name a variable that could affect a journey and explain how it might change.