What does it mean when a teacher asks you to label your variables?

Question

In algebra I have been asked to label my variables and am confused as to what they mean.

Answer 1

be like x stands for oranges and y stands for apples or whatever  

Answer 2

before writing down the solution, write first your definition of the given variables. Let's say, x + y , x=whatever then y=whichever. got it?

Answer 3

The only thing I can really think of is that she's asking you word problems and asking you to create a algebraic equation from that.

For example:

The pet store sells dogs for $20, cats for $15, and birds for $12. Create an equation and label your variables.

20(x) + 15(y) + 12(z) = m

x = # of dogs sold

y = # of cats sold

z = # of birds sold

m = money earned

I hope that helped!