Indeterminate

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Editing Indeterminate[[1]]

In mathematics, more precisely in algebra, an indeterminate is a quantity that is not known, and cannot be solved for. An indeterminate is different from a variable, which is solvable, at least conditionally, from a given equation or set of equations. To make this distinction in an example, compare these two situations.

1. Let

Contents 1 x 2 2+3x=a+bx 3 a 4 b 5 x 5.1 x=(a-2)/(3-b) 6 a 7 b 8 b 9 x 10 x 10.1 2+3x=a+bx 11 a 12 b 12.1 x 12.2 2=a 12.3 3=b 12.4 indeterminate meanings

[edit] x

be a variable such that

[edit] 2+3x=a+bx

,

where

[edit] a

and

[edit] b

are some rational numbers. Then, we can solve for

[edit] x

, to find

[edit] x=(a-2)/(3-b)

.

Any values of

[edit] a

and

[edit] b

with

[edit] b

not 3 will yield a value for

[edit] x

. 2. Let

[edit] x

be an indeterminate such that

[edit] 2+3x=a+bx

,

where

[edit] a

and

[edit] b

are again rational numbers. Since

[edit] x

cannot be solved for, we must have

[edit] 2=a

and

[edit] 3=b

.

.......................................................

[edit] indeterminate meanings

1. formally meaning

a. Not precisely determined, determinable, or established: a person of indeterminate age.

b. Not precisely fixed, as to extent, size, nature, or number: an indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle.

c. Lacking clarity or precision, as in meaning; vague: an indeterminate turn of phrase.

d. Not fixed or known in advance: an indeterminate future.

e. Not leading up to a definite result or ending: an indeterminate campaign.

2. Botany Not terminating in a flower and continuing to grow at the apex: an indeterminate inflorescence.

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