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Coefficient - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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In GCSE Maths, a coefficient is a number that is placed in front of a variable in an algebraic expression, indicating how many times the variable is to be multiplied.

For example, in the expression 3 x plus 5 :

  • The number 3 is the coefficient of the variable x, meaning xis multiplied by 3.

Coefficients are important as they show the relationship between different terms in an expression or equation, and understanding them is essential for solving algebraic problems. They can be positive, negative, whole numbers, fractions, or decimals.

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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