未知数 (wèi zhī shù) — (mathematics) unknown quantity; an unknown; something uncertain or unpredictable
Definition
Literally 'unknown number' — its math sense (a variable in an equation) extends metaphorically to 'an unknown factor' (a person or outcome you can't predict). Unlike 不得而知, it names the unknown thing itself, not the inability to find out.
noun
(mathematics) unknown quantityan unknownsomething uncertain or unpredictable
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 未知数。Jiě zhè ge fāng chéng yào zhǎo chū liǎng gè wèi zhī shù.To solve this equation, you need to find two unknowns.
- 未知数。Zhè cì kǎo shì de chéng jì hái shì gè wèi zhī shù.The result of this exam is still an unknown.
- 未知数，。Chuàng yè lù shang chōng mǎn wèi zhī shù, yào zuò hǎo zhǔn bèi.The road to starting a business is full of unknowns; you need to be well prepared.
Appears in
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