revision:
The <var> tag is used to define a variable in programming or in a mathematical expression. The content inside is typically displayed in italic.
This tag is not deprecated. However, it is possible to achieve richer effect by using CSS.
: <var> . . . </var>
The area of a triangle is: 1/2 x b x h, where b is the base, and h is the vertical height.
<p class="spec">The area of a triangle is: 1/2 x <var>b</var> x <var>h</var>, where < var>b</var> is the base, and <var>h</var> is the vertical height.</p>
The equation for any straight line can be expressed in the formula: y = mx + b.
Codes:
<p class="spec">The equation for any straight line can be expressed in the formula: < var>y</var> = <var>mx</var> + <var>b</var>s.</p>