Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Practice Exam

What is the role of a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

1. It represents the variable

2. It multiplies the variable

3. It adds to the variable

4. It is always equal to one

The correct answer is: It multiplies the variable

The role of a coefficient in an algebraic expression is to multiply the variable. The coefficient is a numerical factor that precedes the variable in an expression, indicating how many instances of the variable are being considered. For example, in the expression 5x, the number 5 is the coefficient, and it signifies that there are five times the value of x being represented. This multiplication aspect is fundamental because it helps to scale the effect of the variable in the context of the expression. Understanding the concept of a coefficient is essential for working with algebraic expressions, as it directly influences the values computed from those variables when solving equations or simplifying expressions. This foundational understanding aids students in manipulating and combining terms appropriately in various mathematical scenarios.