What is the definition of a variable?

Question

(In a scientific experiment)

Answer 1

well simply, a variable is as its name says vary-able. i.e. its is able to vary.

there are variables in many fields. but particlarly in math: the definition of a variable would probably be something like...:
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a parameter that can be varied within a possible range of values, either independantly or dependly. continuously or descretely.
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Independantly meens it can vary by its own. like the location of a free bird in the sky (as it can fly anywhere it needs). but say this bird carries a small tortice on its tail. this tortise cannot move independantly. it 'depends' on the birds movement. that is even though its location also changes it is probably depending on the birds.

continuosly and descretely : think about the volume of water you pour into a glass. it can be 200 ml, 250 ml, 223.5 ml, or even 169.455000244879 ml right ? its just a matter of measuring it. that is you can get any value in the given range. This is a continuous variable.

think about the number of kisses you had by your girlfriend a day. well it can be 5, 3, 20 or even 0. but never 4.896 is it? that is, this variable can not have all the values within a range. (well of course in this case the range goes from 0 to infinity !!). And this is an example of a descrete variable.

Bye. Happy Math.

Answer 2

Its something you can control in the input of the experiment. Like if you want to see how different concentrations of oxygen effect a reaction, oxygen would be a variable because you would be varying the concentrations of it to see the effect on the reaction.

Answer 3

a variable is something that changes, varies. the independent variable is the thing that you can change...just remember i for independent means i can change it...the dependent variable is your data...it depends on the independent variable and you wont know what it is until the experiement is performed.

Answer 4

Dictionaries 'vary'.
You might acquire one..Meanwhile, a variable is that which can be changed...like a definition....or a woman's disposition. .Back- away, back-away, back-away...or a man's. (Touchy, touchy!)