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# Terms of a Variable

For some reason, as if fate won't allow it, I have never fully understood what "in terms of a certain value" meant. For example, in the following problem: One side of a triangle is x inches longer than another side. The ray bisecting the angle formed by these sides divides the opposite side into 3 and 5 inch segments. Find the perimeter IN TERMS OF x. I usually put x on one side of the equation and solve for the other side. However, what does this actually mean?

Note by Taran Kota
1 year, 8 months ago

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In an informal manner, that value can be present somewhere in the required expression. · 1 year, 8 months ago

I don't think that it must be present. I think it's more that it can be present. Staff · 1 year, 8 months ago

What would you definition be? · 1 year, 8 months ago

"Express $$A$$ in terms of $$B$$" means write an expression for $$A$$ which only uses constants and/or the variable $$B$$. Most of the time, you are likely to use B, but that is not always guaranteed (esp if they are trying to mislead you). Staff · 1 year, 8 months ago