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Constant

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Definition

A constant is a number with fixed value, unlike a variable that can change or that is used to represent an unknown value.


The word constant is also used in other contexts or as part of other expressions:

Constant function

A constant function is a function which has a constant output: the value of the function does not depend on the value of its input. Equivalently, a constant function is a function whose range has only a single value.

Constant term of a polynomial

The constant term of a polynomial in variables x_1, x_2, \ldots, x_n is the coefficient of x_1^0\cdot x_2^0 \cdots x_n^0. In the case of a polynomial in a single variable x, it is the coefficient of the term x_0^0. Normally, when we write out a polynomial, the constant term is the term with no variables present, e.g. for the polynomial f(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 - 3x - 7, the constant term is -7.

Note that in general, the constant term of a polynomial f(x_1, \ldots, x_n) is simply the value f(0, \ldots, 0).

Examples

\displaystyle\pi, or pi is a famous constant that is approximately 3.14159.

\displaystyle e, or e is another famous constant that is approximately 2.71828.

All numbers are constants because they do not change their value; they always remain the same.

Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.
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