Variables and constants are very important in algebra, especially when you want to get good at math in Year 10. Let’s break down these ideas with some everyday examples:

1. Personal Finance

• Variables: Imagine $x$ is the number of hours you work and $y$ is how much you earn per hour. To find out how much money you make, you can use this formula: $E = x \cdot y$
• Constants: The minimum wage is an example of a constant. For instance, let’s say it’s £9.50 per hour in the UK. This number doesn’t change.

2. Physics

• Variables: When we talk about distance, we can use a formula where $d$ is the distance, $t$ is the time taken, and $s$ is the speed: $d = s \cdot t$
• Constants: If a car moves at a steady speed of 60 km/h, then $s$ is a constant because it doesn’t change during that trip.

3. Population Growth

• Variables: Let’s say $P$ is the population at a certain time $t$. We can write this like: $P(t) = P_0 \cdot (1 + r)^t$ Here, $P_0$ is the starting population and $r$ is the growth rate, which is a variable that can change.
• Constants: If a city starts out with a population of 30,000, that number stays the same in our calculations.

Summary

Knowing the difference between variables (like $x$, $y$, $r$, and $t$) and constants (specific, unchanging numbers) helps you solve problems better. This knowledge is important for doing well in your exams.