Coefficient

[Vosh]

When someone asks, "what is the coefficient of something...?" what do they mean? What is a coefficient (besides the number placed in front of a variable)?

[HallsofIvy]

Okay, "besides a number placed in front of a variable", a coefficient is a number multiplying a variable! That's the definition. If you want more than that you won't get it.

[Vosh]

Originally posted by HallsofIvy
Okay, "besides a number placed in front of a variable", a coefficient is a number multiplying a variable! That's the definition. If you want more than that you won't get it.


So when someone says, "what's the coefficient of so and so?" they are wanting to know by what factor so and so multiplies itself? If something in action increases itself in muliples of two, then the coefficient of that something is 2? The word "coefficient" sounds more elaborate than it is...