In pure mathematics, we can write such as "an integer $a$ ..." to specify that $a$ is a given integer or $a$ runs through the ring of integers. But in contexts where mathematics is applied difficulties arise. For example, can we write "a mass $m$..."? It seems weird, for writing so represents not what we mean. Can we write "a price $p$ ..."? It again seems weird. But if we try to avoid this weirdness then we are forced to write "a value $m$ of the mass of an object ..." that is cumbersome!
So I am seeking after suggestions on specifying types of variables in applied mathematics, where "applied mathematics" refers to disciplines as illustrated above.