Year 7: Coefficients and Constants (Level 2)

Quick Reference

Coefficient: The number multiplied by a variable (same for all powers)
Constant: A number that stands alone with no variable
Like Terms: Terms with the same variable and power

Understanding Coefficients with Powers

A coefficient is the number in front of a variable. It stays the same regardless of the power.

Examples with different powers:

In 5x, the coefficient of x is 5
In 3x², the coefficient of x² is 3
In -2x³, the coefficient of x³ is -2
In -y, the coefficient of y is -1

Understanding Constants

A constant is a term with no variable. It's a standalone number.

Examples in expressions:

In 2x² + 7x + 9, the constant is 9
In 5y - 4, the constant is -4

More Complex Expressions

When an expression has multiple variables or terms:

In 3x + 2y + 5, the coefficients are 3 (for x) and 2 (for y), and the constant is 5
In 4a² - 3a + 1, we have coefficient 4 for a², coefficient -3 for a, and constant 1

Common Mistake: The coefficient 2 in 2x² is not the same as the power 2. The coefficient is what multiplies the term; the power is the exponent on the variable!