Identifying the Coefficient of Symbols or Letters - JSS1 Mathematics Lesson Note

In algebra, the coefficient is a numerical or constant factor that is multiplied by a variable in an algebraic expression. Understanding coefficients is crucial for simplifying expressions and solving equations.

Example 1:

5𝑥

In this expression, 

5 is the coefficient of the variable 𝑥. It means that 𝑥 is multiplied by 5.

Example 2:

−3𝑦

Here, −3 is the coefficient of the variable 𝑦. It indicates that 𝑦 is multiplied by −3.

Example 3: 

2𝑎𝑏

In this expression, 2 is the coefficient of the product 𝑎𝑏. It means 𝑎 and 𝑏 are multiplied together and then multiplied by 2.

Example 4:

−1

When a variable appears without an explicit numerical coefficient, it is understood to have a coefficient of 1 (or −1 in this case). Thus, −𝑥 has a coefficient of −1.