Final answer:
When solving an equation for a variable, the solution can be in terms of the variable itself or in a simplified form, rather than a numerical value.
Step-by-step explanation:
When solving an equation for a variable, it is possible to obtain a solution that is not a numerical answer. This occurs when the variable represents a concept or unknown quantity rather than a specific value. The solution is often expressed in terms of the variable itself or in a simplified form. For example, if you solve the equation 2x + 3 = 7 for x, you would find that x = 2. In this case, the solution is a numerical value. However, if you solve the equation x^2 + 9 = 18, the solution would be x = ±√9, which represents two possible values for x: 3 and -3.