What is a coefficient and what is the coefficient in this expression:

5x-y+x^2yz

Question

What is a coefficient and what is the coefficient in this expression:

5x-y+x^2yz

shane_b · Answer

A coefficient is essentially a constant value next to a variable.  Given that definition, what do you think the coefficient is in $$5x-y+x^2yz$$

shane_b · Answer

(btw: the question appears to only want coefficients > 1 or < -1)

anonymous · Answer

i really have no clue..

shane_b · Answer

Ok, let's break it down:

5x has a coefficient of 5 (5 is a constant value).  
-y has a coefficient of -1 (-1 is implied to be there because of the negative sign)
+x^2yz has a coefficient of +1 (+1 implied to be there because of the positive sign)

If the question only requires 1 answer, then it's 5....the ones are presumably ignored as answers.

anonymous · Answer

so its the number that is used most in the equation?

shane_b · Answer

Not really.  It's the number next to the variable.  Each term will have a coefficient and if it's 1 or -1, it's normally not written.

anonymous · Answer

no, it is the number that precedes (comes before) each variable (x/y, etc.)

anonymous · Answer

oh okay, thanks!

shane_b · Answer

you're welcome :)