When we are solving a math problem, we often hear the teacher say the term “coefficient.” If it happens to you like me who only intuits what this is, this article will be very useful for you. It is vital that you know the terminology used in mathematics or elementary algebra, whether you are solving an equation or something as simple as a binomial. So here we will explain what this is.
But we will not only limit ourselves to it, but we will also teach you how to calculate it, if there is any law that governs the coefficients within a polynomial and more. Just continue reading and in the end, you will have everything clear.
What does a coefficient mean in mathematics?
To define what is a coefficient in math or algebra, we have to take variables into account. The reason for this is due to the fact that the coefficients with those elements that accompany the variables, whether it is a polynomial, an equation or a formula to be solved. Therefore, we can define the coefficient as any real number or constant that accompanies the variable within any mathematical expression.
That is to say, that the coefficient of a term o variable indicates the number of times it is repeated. For example, if we have a simple expression like X, it means that this variable is repeated once or there is only one of it. On the other hand, if we put a coefficient 5 and write 5X, it means that there are 5 X’s. This helps a lot to simplify magnitudes and make things more visible and practical when quantifying quantity.
Whether it is basic classes or applied sciences, the coefficients will always be present in everything. Of course, it does not necessarily have to be a whole number, since it can also be expressed as a fraction, rational or irrational. Everything will depend on the case and the terms that are being handled. An important point to note is that the coefficients are factors that multiply the variables. That is, by giving a value to the independent variableit will be affected by the multiplication of the coefficient.
How are the numerical coefficients presented?
The coefficients can be presented in different ways, everything will depend on the polynomial, equation ofeitherrmula to solve or work. Some examples that we can give you so that you understand this better are the following:
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P(x) = aXno +aXn-1+aXn-2+aXn-3…+ aX1+ a0.
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Q(x) = (-4xy)2 + 1/2x – x.
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YX2.
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3ix.
For the first example we have a standard form of a polynomial. We can say that it is a general equation that represents any polynomial regardless of its degree. In this case, the coefficient is given by the letter “a”, since it is only about theory and in a practical way this changes. As with the second example. Here we see that it is a second degree polynomial and that its coefficients are: -4, ½ and -1. For the third case, there is only one coefficient and it is 1, something similar occurs with the fourth example, in which the coefficient that accompanies the variable ix is 3.
As you can see, the coefficients can not only be numbers, but also letters, everything will depend on the type of mathematical exercise you are doing. Now, thanks to the coefficients and the terms within an equation, we can do something called factoring. It is a mathematical procedure that helps a lot to simplify problems in algebra. Thus, we can factor all the coefficients of a problem, or else, do it according to the like terms that exist.
How is the coefficient of a number calculated?
As such, there is no way to calculate the coefficient of a number, since it is a constant that is always present. Its simplest and minimal expression is 1. For example, when terms like: X ; XY; z2; among other ways. What happens with the coefficients is that they can appear or be calculated as long as they exist. like terms in an equation. For example, when you have a polynomial of the form:
The resulting coefficient of this simple equation would be 15, since there is a sum in between, which is affecting terms that are similar. It is like adding 5 mangoes with 10 mangoes, the total of this sum is 15, therefore, this is the resulting coefficient and in a certain way, you have already calculated.
What are the laws governing a numerical coefficient?
There are properties of coefficients that you must know and that are vital to solve any problem, either in the field of mathematics or you are working on an economics project. These properties are the following:
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All coefficients in an algebraic expression can be of real or imaginary origin. So it is possible to write them in the form of positive, negative, fraction or as irrational numbers.
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It is important that the coefficient is different from 0.
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When there is no indication of a coefficient in some term, 1 should be considered as a coefficient.
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It is possible to add and subtract coefficients as long as they are of like terms.
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In terms that are not similar, it is possible to multiply and divide them, but never add or subtract them.
How many types of coefficients are there in mathematics?
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Numerical coefficient: They are the most common in any of the math and algebra problems. They are represented by numbers, either real or imaginary.
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Literal coefficient: This type is mainly attributed to general and standard equations and formulas. A simple example is the equation of the line: Y = mx + b. In this case, we only have two coefficients: “m” and “b”.
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Leading coefficient: Simply, it is the number that has the term of highest degree.
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Constant coefficients: Continuing with the example of the equation of the line mentioned above, the constant coefficient is “b”. That is, they are those that do not have any variable.
Examples of algebraic numerical coefficients
Throughout this article we have been showing some examples with which you can practice. Some others that you can take into account are the following:
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w2
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-8xy + 15y
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y–xy–4z
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½x
With these four examples, what you have to do is identify the coefficients for each of the proposed exercises. Keep in mind that the sign must also be considered as part of the coefficient to be identified.
