What Are Variables in Algebra ?

 In mathematics, a **variable** is a letter (like x or y) that represents a number. The number is not always known — it can change — that's why we call it a “variable.”

### 💡 Example 1:

If `x = 3`, then:

x + 2 = 3 + 2 = 5

### 💡 Example 2:

If `y = 7`, then:

y - 4 = 7 - 4 = 3

### 🔍 Why Do We Use Variables?

We use variables to:

- Represent unknown values

- Write equations

- Solve math problems more easily

### 🧠 Remember:

A variable is just a **placeholder** for a number.

### ✅ Practice:

Try solving these:

1. If `x = 5`, what is `x + 3`?

2. If `y = 10`, what is `y - 6`?

3. If `a = 4`, what is `a × 2`?

Post your answers in the comments! 👇