Sometimes it is easy to get so lost in the symbols that we forget that we are looking at truth. We are searching for patterns in the apparent chaos. In algebra 2 we are so far into the language of algebra that we no longer think of x as a value, but as a thing. A thing that we move around, multiply, divide, add things to, take away. While this is true, it is also true that x represents something specific. In fact, if x didn't have a value, then the equation, expression, problem would be worthless. But since x does in fact mean something, the equation means something.
Even if the expression is something as simple as (x+1)(x-3), let us not forget that this expression isn't talking about something obscure, but something specific. Does x change? absolutely. But the meaning behind this expression will always mean "the product of the sum of a specific number and 1 and the difference of that number and 3".
As you cruise along, multiplying variables, finding patterns, and eventually discovering the value of x, don't forget: there is a hidden world behind that equation.