Q: Fill in the blank: 3 is the ________ of $2.

"3" is nothing to do with $2!

"3" is not the same as $3, much less "\$3".

\$3 is the value contained in $2; and that value is a reference to $3.

Your confusion comes in two parts:

• by naming your variables with numbers;
• and dropping the '\'; reference taking operator;

You create an apparent anomaly that doesn't exist.

It's akin to the old trick to confuse kids. Counting on your fingers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... 10. Then going backward. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 plus 5 equals 11.