Using variables in ICE tables

[Schuyler_Howell_4D]

Can someone explain when you should use variables such as X in an ICE table versus finding the change based on stoichiometric coefficients before being plugged into the table?

In one of the Audio-Visual Learning Modules (I think equilibrium part 2) Dr.Lavelle went ahead and used mole ratios to find the change of each product and each reactant before using the table. I understand that using the variables in the table is essentially using the mole ratios but just without actual values at first but, still, when should we use each approach?

[Mahir_Hasan2C]

It's much easier cause x can be anything thus it is used to define the change in molarity. It also makes things easier in the algebraic sense. Then we put whatever coefficient in front of x to display the conservation of matter. For example, if 1 reactant produced 2 product we would have -x and +2x because 1mole of reactant would always produce 2 moles of product.

[Porus_Karwa_2E]

To add onto the above comment the X variable is much easier to use as after you are done assigning variables we would just need to use the quadratic equation.