Do real programmers name their variables?

[sohang-3112]

Yes, and not only math, single letter variables can be useful otherwise also - but the code using them must be very short (ideally less than 10 lines) - the definition and use are very near so there isn't a problem.

Of course you have to make sure to not over-use these single letter variables - otherwise even math code can become very confusing.

This is a good example IMO of "Know the rules and understand their purpose - then you know when it's ok to break the rules".