Coefficient facts for kids

In mathematics, a coefficient is a number that multiplies a variable or a group of variables. Think of it as the "how many" part of a mathematical term.

For example, in the expression 9x², the number 9 is the coefficient. It tells you that x² is being multiplied by 9.

Sometimes, a coefficient can also be a variable itself, like `a`, `b`, or `c`. This happens when we use letters to represent numbers that can change.

What is a Coefficient?

A coefficient is a constant number that stands in front of a variable. It shows how many times that variable is being counted. It's like saying you have 5 apples; 5 is the coefficient of apples.

Coefficients in Everyday Math

You see coefficients often in math problems. They help us understand the size or amount of something.

• In `3y`, the coefficient is `3`.
• In `7ab`, the coefficient is `7`.
• In `z`, the coefficient is `1` (because `1z` is just `z`).

Why Are Coefficients Important?

Coefficients are very important in algebra and other areas of math. They help us:

• Solve equations.
• Understand relationships between different parts of a problem.
• Work with polynomials, which are math expressions with many terms.

Coefficients in Polynomials

A polynomial is an expression with one or more terms added or subtracted. Each term often has a coefficient. For example, in the polynomial `4x^2 + 2x - 5`:

• `4` is the coefficient of `x^2`.
• `2` is the coefficient of `x`.
• `-5` is a constant term, which can be thought of as the coefficient of `x^0` (since `x^0` equals 1).

Coefficients with Many Variables

Sometimes, you might see coefficients with many variables. For example, in `5xyz`, the coefficient is `5`. It multiplies the group of variables `xyz`.

Related pages

• Polynomial

See also

In Spanish: Coeficiente (matemática) para niños