A coefficient is the number multiplying a variable in a term. In 7x the coefficient is 7, and in x alone the coefficient is an unwritten 1.
Math Dictionary / Coefficient
Coefficient
A coefficient is the number multiplied by a variable in a term.
AlgebraGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
In 7x, the coefficient is 7.
Also called: number factor
Examples
| In 4a, the coefficient is 4 |
| In -3x, the coefficient is -3 |
| In x, the coefficient is 1 |
Common mistake
If a variable has no written number, the coefficient is 1, not 0.
Try one
Question: What is the coefficient of -9y?
Show answer
-9.