What is a coefficient and how is it used in math?

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A coefficient is defined as a number that multiplies a variable in mathematical expressions. When someone inquires about the coefficient of a term, they are asking for the factor by which that term is multiplied. For example, if a variable increases by a factor of two, the coefficient is 2. The term "coefficient" may seem complex, but its meaning is straightforward and fundamental in mathematics. Understanding coefficients is essential for grasping algebraic concepts and equations.
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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)?
 
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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.
 
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...
 

Thread 'Area of Overlapping Squares'

Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?
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