What Is the Difference Between Symbolic and Literal Equations?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the distinction between symbolic equations and literal equations, exploring definitions and examples of each type. Participants seek to clarify the terminology and the implications of using these equations in mathematical contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the difference between symbolic and literal equations.
  • Another participant requests clearer definitions of 'symbolic equation' and 'literal equation' to facilitate the discussion.
  • One participant proposes that a symbolic equation is one that has undefined terms, such as d = vt, while a literal equation involves inserting specific values for the symbols, exemplified by d = 10m/sec * 5 seconds.
  • The same participant elaborates that a symbolic equation expresses a general mathematical relationship, whereas a literal equation evaluates that relationship by substituting numerical values for the variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to have differing interpretations of the definitions of symbolic and literal equations, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding a consensus on these terms.

Contextual Notes

Definitions of 'symbolic equation' and 'literal equation' are not universally agreed upon, leading to potential ambiguity in the discussion.

barryj
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Can someone tell me the difference, if there is any, between a symboliuc equation and a literal equation.
 
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Only if you can define your terms 'symbolic equation' and 'literal equation' more exactly.
 
Well, this is basically what I am asking. Is a symbolic equation one that has not terms defined like d = vt while a literal equation is one where you insert the values for the symbols, like d = 10m/.sec * 5 seconds?
 
barryj said:
Well, this is basically what I am asking. Is a symbolic equation one that has not terms defined like d = vt while a literal equation is one where you insert the values for the symbols, like d = 10m/.sec * 5 seconds?

One expresses a general mathematical relationship between several different quantities, the other is just an evaluation of that mathematical relationship by plugging in numerical values for each of the variables.
 

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