Posted in Calculus

Variables, Constants and Parameters

Whether a mathematical notation is a variable,  parameter, or constant depends on what you mean by it.

  • If you intend to represent the value of a quantity whose measure varies within a situation, then you are using that notation as a variable.
  • If you intend to represent the value of a quantity whose measure is the same within all situations (e.g., pi), then you are using that notation as a constant.
  • If you intend to represent the value of a quantity that is constant in a particular situation, but which can vary from one situation to another, then you are using that notation as a parameter.

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