In mathematics, a constant is a fixed and well-defined number or other non-changing mathematical object. It can be used to define a constant function that always gives the same value, regardless of its arguments. Constants can be represented by special symbols, such as alphabet letters, or by mathematicians names to facilitate their use across multiple mathematical problems.
- A constant can be a number on its own, such as 5 or 9, or a letter, such as a, b, or c, standing for a fixed number.
- In the equation "x + 5 = 9", both 5 and 9 are constants.
- Mathematical constants, such as e and π, have fixed values and occur in various contexts, including geometry, number theory, statistics, and calculus.
Constants are different from variables and coefficients. Variables can change their values, while coefficients are the numbers multiplied by variables.
