In the grand story of algebra, two characters play the leading roles: the courageous Variable and the stoic Constant.

A Constant is a number with a known, unchanging value. The number 7 is always 7. It is predictable and reliable.

A Variable is a symbol, usually a letter like 'x', that represents a value that is unknown, or that can change.

The Constant is the bedrock, the foundation. The Variable is the mystery, the potential.

Constants give you the facts of the situation. Variables represent the questions you need to answer.

In the equation 'x + 5 = 12', 5 and 12 are the constants. They are the fixed parts of our story.

'x' is the variable. It is the hero of our story, whose true identity we are trying to discover.

Algebra is the epic tale of the relationship between these two characters.

Understanding this fundamental difference is the first step to reading and understanding the language of algebra.

One is what you know. The other is what you seek. The story begins.