Algebraic Expression - Coefficient

Coefficients

The coefficient of a variable is the number that is placed in front of a variable.

For example, 3 × w can be written as 3w and 3 is the coefficient.

Coefficient

Coefficients Of Algebraic Terms

The number (positive or negative) in the algebraic term is called the coefficient.

For example:

For the term 4x, 4 is the coefficient

For the term –7y, –7 is the coefficient

The coefficient of 1 in an algebraic term is usually not written.

For example:

1y can be written as simply y. So, 1y and y are the same.

Example:

Find the coefficient and variable of each of the following terms:

a) 0.2m

b) –3p

c) q

d) z

e)

Solution:

a) 0.2m (The coefficient is 0.2 and the variable is m)

b) –3p (The coefficient is –3 and the variable is p)

c) q (The coefficient is and the variable is q)

d) z (The coefficient is 1 and the variable is z)

e) (The coefficient is and the variable is x)