Constants, Variables, Parameters and Data
added June 23, 2005
What is a Variable, Sections: [ Up ] [ Variation between Examples ] [ Variation of Letters ] [ When does a letter denote a variable ] [ Cases of Double Variation ] [ Three Notions of a Variable ] [ Constants ] [ Talking about numbers ] [ Dependent or Independent Variables ]
When a number or quantity is a constant in one direction of change
(over time, in space, between examples) we say it is constant in that
direction. If the direction is understood, we may call it a constant.
When a number or quantity is a variable in one direction of change
(over time, in space, between examples) we say it is variable in that
direction. If the direction is understood, we may call it a variable.
When a number or quantity is a variable in one direction of change (over
time, in space, between examples) and constant in another we say it is parameter
in that direction. So a parameter is a number or variable that may vary
or be constant depending on which direction we look.
If an observed number or quantity may be used in a table or in further
calculations, we the number or quantity is question is part of the data
of for the table or further calculations.
Talking about numbers and quantities being constants, variables, parameter
or data is part of words before and besides symbols and arithmetic in
mathematics.
Chapter subsections: [ Up ] [ Variation between Examples ] [ Variation of Letters ] [ When does a letter denote a variable ] [ Cases of Double Variation ] [ Three Notions of a Variable ] [ Constants ] [ Talking about numbers ] [ Dependent or Independent Variables ]
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