FREE VARIABLE Meaning and
Definition
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A free variable is a term used in mathematics and computer science to describe a variable that does not have a fixed value within a specific context. It is a variable that is not bound or restricted by any equations, conditions, or constraints, and can take on any value within a given range.
In mathematics, a free variable typically appears in an equation or formula alongside other variables, which are often referred to as bound variables. While bound variables are assigned specific values that satisfy the given conditions, a free variable remains undetermined and can be assigned various values that satisfy the equation. Free variables are often used in solving systems of linear equations or while finding solutions to equations with multiple variables.
In computer science, a free variable refers to a variable that is used inside a function but is not declared or defined within that function. It is a variable that is accessible within a particular scope, typically defined outside the scope of the function. The function can access and manipulate the value of the free variable, but it cannot modify or redefine it. Free variables are commonly used in closures, where they capture the local state of their defining environment.
Overall, the concept of a free variable encompasses the notion of a variable that is not bound or constrained, allowing it to range freely within certain limits or contexts.
Common Misspellings for FREE VARIABLE
- dree variable
- cree variable
- vree variable
- gree variable
- tree variable
- rree variable
- feee variable
- fdee variable
- ffee variable
- ftee variable
- f5ee variable
- f4ee variable
- frwe variable
- frse variable
- frde variable
- frre variable
- fr4e variable
- fr3e variable
- frew variable
- fres variable
Etymology of FREE VARIABLE
The term "free variable" originates from the field of mathematical logic and computer science. The word "variable" has its roots in Latin, derived from "variabilis", meaning "changeable", which ultimately comes from the verb "variare", meaning "to vary".
In logic and mathematics, a variable typically represents an unknown value or an element that can take different values. The term "free" in this context means that the variable is not bound or constrained by any specific condition or quantifier.
The concept of "free variables" was introduced by logician and mathematician Augustus De Morgan in the mid-19th century, as he developed the formal system of first-order logic. The distinction between free and bound variables is fundamental in logic, as it helps determine the scope of quantifiers and the validity of logical statements.
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