🧩 What is a Variable?
A **variable** is a letter (like n, x, or y) that represents an unknown number.
We use variables in algebra to write rules and solve problems.
Examples:
• n + 5 = 12 → n stands for a number
• 3 × m = 18 → m is the variable
• p − 4 = 10 → p is the variable
🔎 How to Find the Value of a Variable
To solve, we do the opposite operation to both sides:
- If we see + , we subtract
- If we see − , we add
- If we see × , we divide
🌟 Examples
1. n + 6 = 15
n = 9 (because 15 − 6 = 9)
2. 4 × k = 24
k = 6 (because 24 ÷ 4 = 6)
3. m − 8 = 12
m = 20 (because 12 + 8 = 20)
✏️ Let’s Practice Together, My Dear Student!
Practice 1: Solve for the Variable
1. x + 7 = 13 → x = 6
2. 5 × y = 35 → y = 7
3. z − 9 = 11 → z = 20
Practice 2: Write an Equation
1. A number plus 8 equals 17. Use n for the number.
n + 8 = 17
2. 4 times a number equals 28. Use m for the number.
4 × m = 28
Practice 3: Word Problems (Canadian Style)
1. You have some hockey cards. After buying 5 more cards you have 18 cards total. How many did you start with? Let c = cards you started with.
c + 5 = 18 → c = 13
2. A pizza is cut into equal slices. If 3 slices are left and you know there were 12 slices total, how many slices were eaten? Let s = slices eaten.
s + 3 = 12 → s = 9
Challenge Question
The rule for a pattern is: Start with a number, multiply by 3, then add 2. The result is 20. What was the starting number? Let n = starting number.
3 × n + 2 = 20 → 3 × n = 18 → n = 6
Fantastic Job, My Dear Student! 🎉
You now understand Variables very well! Variables are the beginning of real algebra and help us solve many real-life problems.
I am so proud of you. Try making up your own variable problems with numbers from your day (allowance, hockey scores, etc.).
💕 You are smart. You are kind. You can do hard things.
When you are ready, tell me the next topic (Equations, Inequalities, or anything else) and I will create another beautiful lesson just for you!