Understanding Variables and Equations

To represent unknown numbers

To make equations more complex

To replace numbers permanently

To confuse the reader

Only an equal sign

An equal sign, numbers, and a question mark

An equal sign and numbers

Only numbers

5

12

None of the above

7

By using a triangle

By using a square

By using a rectangle

By using a circle

30

25

35

40

D

B

C

A

It is not a letter

It can be mistaken for the multiplication sign

It is too common

It looks like a plus sign

5

4

3

2

Using numbers instead of letters

Believing any letter can be used without confusion

Thinking only vowels can be used

Assuming letters have fixed values

Symbols and letters can represent unknown numbers in equations

Symbols and letters are interchangeable

Only symbols should be used in equations

Letters are better than symbols