Okuzeka
Mathematics vocabulary · Algebra and Equations

Coefficient

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/ˌkoʊɪˈfɪʃənt/nounCommon term

In mathematics, coefficient means: The number that multiplies a variable in a term; in 5x² − 3x, the coefficient of x² is 5 and the coefficient of x is −3.

In Turkish: katsayı

How it is used

Used in algebra, polynomials and statistics. You find, compare or equate coefficients. A term with no number in front, such as x, has a coefficient of 1, and a number with no variable is called the constant term.

Example sentences

  1. What is the coefficient of x in 7 − 4x?

  2. Compare the coefficients on both sides to find a and b.

Common collocations

  • coefficient of x
  • leading coefficient
  • compare coefficients
  • correlation coefficient
  • variableA letter or symbol, such as x or y, that stands for a number which can change or which you do not know yet.
  • expressionA combination of numbers, variables and operation signs, such as 4x² − 3x + 7, that has no equals sign and can be simplified or evaluated.
  • polynomialAn expression made of terms with whole-number powers of a variable, added or subtracted, such as 3x⁴ − 2x² + x − 7.
  • quadratic equationAn equation in which the highest power of the variable is 2, written in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a is not zero.

More terms: Algebra and Equations

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