Year 7: Coefficients and constants

What are Coefficients?

A coefficient is a number that is multiplied by a variable. It's the number written before the variable.

Examples:

• In 3x, the coefficient is 3.
• In 5y², the coefficient is 5.
• In -2z, the coefficient is -2.

What are Constants?

A constant is a number that stands alone and doesn't change. It doesn't have a variable attached to it.

Examples:

• In 2x + 5, the constant is 5.
• In 7a - 3, the constant is -3.
• In 9, the constant is simply 9.

Key Terms & How to Identify Them

• Variable: A letter (like x, y, or z) that represents an unknown number.
• Coefficient: The number multiplied by the variable.
• Constant: A number that is not multiplied by a variable.