Difference between Variable and Parameter

Parameter and variable are terms generally utilized as a very important component in the fields of physics, science, mathematics, analysis, and statistics. These two are usually misunderstood as a similar element. A variable is a quantity that changes with respect to other quantity. A parameter is an element which is utilized to connect factors.

Variable

In the field of mathematics, a variable defines as an element connected to a number, known as an estimation of the variable that is self-estimated, not completely determined, or ambiguous. The expression “variable” originates from the way that, when the argument (additionally called the “variable of the Function”) changes, then the estimate changes accordingly.

Parameter

A parameter, by and large, is an entity that can help in connecting or grouping a specific framework. That is, a parameter is a component of a system that is helpful, or basic. Inside and over different fields, watchful refinement must be kept up of the diverse utilizations of the term parameter and of different terms frequently connected with it.

Variable VS Parameter

In this article, we will talk about variable and parameter, their definitions and the contrast amongst these two terms.

  • Definition:

A variable can be defined as an element that alters as for another element in a given specific system. In other words, the estimation of variable fluctuates relying upon conditions. In other words, variable doesn’t remain constant.

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A parameter is an element which is utilized to associate variable or brings together at least two variables of a condition or “connection” between two variables.

  • Types:

Variable is of two types that are dependent and independent variables.  Dependent variable alters with the change in independent variable whereas there is no change in independent variable due to change in the dependent variable. Variables are also categorized in two ways that are continuous or discrete variable.

In case of a parameter, there are no such types or categories.

  • Number required:

When we use variables in an equation, we need a number of variables to explain the system. Let’s take an example of an equation that speaks a circle of having a unit radius with center at the cause of coordinate system.

x^2 + y^2 = 1

In this equation, there are two variables x and y to define the system.

When we come to parameters we need lesser number of parameters to define the system as compared to the number of variables. Let’s convert the above equation in parametric form so we get

x=cos (w), y=sin (w)

In this form w is a parameter that changes from 0-2π.  In this, we have only one parameter instead of two variables.

  • Alphabets:

To explain the variables in the system, we mostly use x, y, and z.

To explain the parameters in the system, we mostly use a, b and c as sometimes it moves to e and f.

Conclusion

From the above article, we can conclude that variable is an element that doesn’t have any fixed value and parameter may or may not vary in a system. There are types of variables whereas parameters don’t have any categories or types. We can use lesser number of parameter rather than more number of variables.