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In Mathematics / High School | 2014-11-19

Explain why you might not want to use the variables "x" or "o" when solving a word problem.

Asked by shamayia

Answer (3)

for 'x' you might not want to use it because you might confuse it for 'multiply'
you might not want to use 'o' because you might confuse it for the number zero (0)
in algebra I usually use parenthasee () for multiplication so for example 3 times 2 can be written as (2)(3) and 2 times x can be written as 2x with placeholders

Answered by apologiabiology | 2024-06-10

You might not want to use the variable x while solving and equation because it might get confused with the multiplication sign.

Answered by ariiz08 | 2024-06-10

When solving word problems, it's recommended to avoid using 'x' because it can be confused with multiplication, and 'o' because it resembles the number zero. By choosing clearer variables, you enhance understanding and reduce misinterpretations. This practice is crucial for effective communication in mathematics.
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Answered by apologiabiology | 2025-01-22