---
title: "JavaScript basic algebra"
slug: "javascript-basic-algebra"
updated: 2026-09-28T06:23:24Z
published: 2026-09-28T06:23:24Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/javascript-basic-algebra"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.quickbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# JavaScript basic algebra

## Code structure

---

Much like algebra, in JavaScript, we have a set way of structuring code. in algebra, variables are used to represent a value that is initially unknown.

**(Example)**

```
x = 1 + 2
```

In JavaScript, variables act as containers for storing values. We can declare the name of a variable and also assign it a value by using “var.”

**(Example)**

```
var x = 1 + 2;
```

In this example, the variable “x” has been assigned the value of 3. Variables can also hold text values by placing the text in “quotation marks.”

**(Example)**

```
var x = "One";
```

In JavaScript, we refer to the text as a “string.” We will go into more detail with strings and their different uses as they pertain to FastField in a later article.

Each field in your form can hold a value, and as such, that value can be assigned to a variable.

**(Example)**

```
var x = $fieldkey_1$;
```

As usual, we place ‘$’ signs around our field key. Now that you have assigned “x” to the value of “fieldkey_1,” let's take it a bit further.

**(Example)**

```
var x = $fieldkey_1$;
var y = $fieldkey_2$;

return y+b;
```

Let’s say in this example that “x” (fieldkey_1) has an entered value of “3,” and that y (fieldkey_2) has an entered value of “5.” This would mean that we would “return” the value of “8.”

We can also add strings together; however, there are a few things you should be aware of.

- If you are adding things together if there is at least one string, it will concatenate (combine side by side) as opposed to mathematically adding them.
- Strings can contain numbers too, and they are not just limited to text.

**(Example)**

```
var x = "123";
var y = 123;
```

In this example, var “x” is a string, whilst var "y" is an integer (number). If you were to add these two together, you would not get “246,” you would instead get “123123.”

**(Example)**

```
var x = "123";
var y = 123;

return x+y;

123123
```

Again, this is because at least one of the items is a string. For more information on basic arithmetic in JavaScript, you can reference [W3Schools' guide to JavaScript arithmetic](http://www.w3schools.com/js/js_arithmetic.asp).