A coefficient is a numerical or constant factor that multiplies a variable in a term of an algebraic expression or equation. For example, in the term $5x^2$, 5 is the coefficient.
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A coefficient can be positive, negative, or zero.
In polynomial functions, coefficients determine the shape and position of the graph.
The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial.
In a polynomial like $3x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 7$, 3, 2, -1, and 7 are all coefficients.
Coefficients can also be fractions or irrational numbers.
An algebraic expression consisting of terms which are sums and/or differences of variables raised to non-negative integer powers and multiplied by coefficients.