A constant is usually written as a number, but there are many times when you would be placing other symbols in order to make the constant easier to recognize, especially when you are using constants for math and science. The variable can be a symbol, but make sure that you cannot use a number in order to show a variable.
Most of the variables that you will see will be written in single letters, probably x or y. In mathematics, a constant is something that will not change its value. So, for example, in an equation, the number will not change its value even if its placement will be changed. The variable will be recognizable because it will be in the form of a letter.