Difference between revisions of "Coefficient"
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| − | In [[mathematics]], a '''coefficient''' is a [[constant]] multiplicative [[factor]] of a specified object. The object can be a [[variable]], a [[vector]], a [[function]], or anything else that might be subject to multiplication. | + | In [[mathematics]], a '''coefficient''' is a [[constant]] multiplicative [[divisor | factor]] of a specified object. The object can be a [[variable]], a [[vector]], a [[function]], or anything else that might be subject to multiplication. |
For example, the coefficient of <math>a</math> in the [[expression]] <math>5a + b</math> is 5. Note that it is important that we specify what we are looking at the coefficients of: 5 also has a coefficient in <math>5a + b</math>, namely <math>a</math>. | For example, the coefficient of <math>a</math> in the [[expression]] <math>5a + b</math> is 5. Note that it is important that we specify what we are looking at the coefficients of: 5 also has a coefficient in <math>5a + b</math>, namely <math>a</math>. | ||
Revision as of 14:07, 9 November 2006
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In mathematics, a coefficient is a constant multiplicative factor of a specified object. The object can be a variable, a vector, a function, or anything else that might be subject to multiplication.
For example, the coefficient of 
in the expression 
is 5. Note that it is important that we specify what we are looking at the coefficients of: 5 also has a coefficient in , namely .
Coefficients come up most frequently in a discussion of polynomials.
