real variable

American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

Mathematics.

1. a variable to which only real numbers are assigned as values.

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Example Sentences

“So the real variable is, do we get a few more folks working in their offices, a few days a week, at least.”

From Seattle Times

Turnout was the only real variable.

From BBC

The only real variable costs are U.S. gas prices and fuel costs, about $3 per million BTU.

From The Wall Street Journal

Typically, the real variable in criminal collaboration is not so much the blood relationship of the perps, but the interpersonal relationship—the influence of a compelling, charismatic personality on another, weaker one.

From Time

“The real variable is what are you getting and what are you paying for it,” he said in a telephone interview.

From BusinessWeek