Coefficient: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ข
coefficient
[ kษสษชหfษชสษnt ]
mathematics
A coefficient is a numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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coefficient |
Used in mathematics and physics to indicate a numerical value that multiplies a variable. Most commonly used in algebraic expressions, equations, and in certain scientific contexts.
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factor |
Used to describe a number or quantity that, when multiplied with another, produces a given number. Often used in both mathematics and general conversation to signify an element that contributes to a result.
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multiplier |
Refers to a number by which another number is multiplied. Often used in mathematics and economics to describe the effect of one quantity multiplying another.
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constant |
Refers to a fixed value that does not change. Commonly used in mathematics to refer to a value in an equation or expression that remains the same.
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Examples of usage
- The coefficient of x in the expression 3x + 5 is 3.
- Higher coefficients indicate a larger impact on the overall result.
- The coefficient of friction is a key factor in determining the force required to move an object.
chemistry
In chemistry, a coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical formula in a balanced equation, representing the stoichiometry of the reaction.
Synonyms
mole ratio, stoichiometric coefficient.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
coefficient |
Used in mathematics and science to refer to a numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression, equation, or term.
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stoichiometric coefficient |
Used in chemistry to refer to the numbers in front of molecules in a balanced chemical equation, representing the ratio in which reactants and products participate in the reaction.
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mole ratio |
Specifically used in chemistry to describe the ratio of moles of one substance to the moles of another substance in a chemical reaction. Often used in stoichiometry to balance equations and make predictions about reactions.
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Examples of usage
- The coefficients in the balanced equation 2Hโ + Oโ โ 2HโO indicate the mole ratios of the reactants and products.
- Balancing chemical equations involves adjusting the coefficients to ensure mass conservation.
- A stoichiometric coefficient of 1 implies a one-to-one ratio in the reaction.
Translations
Translations of the word "coefficient" in other languages:
๐ต๐น coeficiente
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฃเคพเคเค
๐ฉ๐ช Koeffizient
๐ฎ๐ฉ koefisien
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะพะตัััััะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ wspรณลczynnik
๐ฏ๐ต ไฟๆฐ
๐ซ๐ท coefficient
๐ช๐ธ coeficiente
๐น๐ท katsayฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุนุงู ู
๐จ๐ฟ koeficient
๐ธ๐ฐ koeficient
๐จ๐ณ ็ณปๆฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ koeficient
๐ฎ๐ธ stuรฐull
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะพัััะธัะธะตะฝั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแคแแชแแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ษmsal
๐ฒ๐ฝ coeficiente
Etymology
The word 'coefficient' originated from the Latin word 'coefficientem', which means 'a co-efficient or concurrence'. It entered the English language in the 17th century. The concept of coefficients has been crucial in various fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and economics, where they play a fundamental role in equations, formulas, and calculations.