Topic: Variables C2.1 – Identifying Variables

Ontario Curriculum Expectation:

2.C2.1 identify when symbols are being used as variables, and describe how they are being used.

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A variable is a symbol such as a letter or question mark that represents a number we do not know.

Example 1:

Sammy has 4 cookies. Then, he buys more cookies. Sammy now has 7 cookies.

The question mark represents the unknown number of cookies Sammy buys.

 

 

Example 2:

Anne has 9 strawberries. Then, she ate some of the strawberries. Anne has 5 strawberries left.

The letter ‘S’ represents the unknown number of strawberries Anne ate.