2007-03-03 12:46:36 · 10 answers · asked by baabaabaabaa 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
They're used as variables - meaning they stand for numbers when you don't know what the number is, or the number changes (e.g. in a function).
They don't really function as letters - you could just as well use little pictures of fruit. But letters are easier to write, so they're used as the most convenient symbol.
2007-03-03 12:50:52 · answer #1 · answered by Ms. S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there aren't three letters of the alphabet in algrebra. most of the varibles in algrebra are just there so they stand out. imagine solving a problem like this:
5l + 6= 21
you wouldn't be able to tell of the varible is the letter L or the number one. or
8 t 6 =76
some people might think that the letter t is an addition sign. the varibles are the way that they are because it is the easiest to understand.
2007-03-03 20:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by Gabby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason that there are letters of the alphabet in algebra, is basically because the letters usually are used for something that is an 'unknown' quantity (or an unknown number); such as "T" for "Time" or "V" for "Velocity".... These letters are otherwise known as "variables" in Math equations...(because the number(s) could 'vary" or change, depending on the equation(s) involved. Common sense, also tells me that if one simply used a number, instead of a letter; it would be difficult to figure out which of ALL the numbers in the equation is the actual 'variable' (or the 'x-factor'), [Mainly, because one simply couldn't 'distinguish it' from all the other numbers as it would be very confusing with only numbers] What number would you be trying to 'solve for"? I also noticed that other people's answers said that "you could use a 'small picture' instead of a letter", but, of course, if you think about it... this would probably be more time consuming to draw a picture of let's say, something difficult to draw a picture of an "idea", such as: "Velocity" (instead of simply "V" = "Velocity"! I know this is wordy, and I hope it helps!
2007-03-03 21:19:43 · answer #3 · answered by Ms. Chirps 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually a letter means an unknown number.
For example--2 + x = 4.
To find the value of x, subtract 2 from both sides. Your result--x = 2.
Been a good 20 years since I had 8th grade algebra!
2007-03-03 20:59:02 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Algebra works with unknowns. I guess they could be pretty pictures rather than letters but it would be harder to work with.
2007-03-03 20:50:52 · answer #5 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are a short of short hand that you write when you don't know the answer or what the number is or yo want to make it work easier
2007-03-03 20:50:02 · answer #6 · answered by sarahanne_2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they represent numbers.
2007-03-03 20:50:38 · answer #7 · answered by Shelley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They make it less confusing to answer word problems.
2007-03-03 20:51:46 · answer #8 · answered by bubbles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to represent unknown/any number.
2007-03-04 07:10:52 · answer #9 · answered by Freestar 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are variables!
2007-03-03 20:51:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋