Why do we use letters like x and y to represent numbers in algebra?
In: Mathematics
Other people have answered why we use those symbols specifically. But the reason we use symbols at all is because it makes it easier to understand. I know that might be surprising, especially if you don’t already know how the notation works.
But consider these two mathematical expressions:
>The square of the sum of two quantities is equal to the sum of the square of the first quantity, the square of the second quantity, and twice the product of the two quantities.
and
> (x + y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2
Those two things mean exactly the same thing. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you’ve learned how it works, working with symbols is a lot easier than words.
Latest Answers