Meaning & use

coefficient

noun·Academic

A numerical or constant factor that multiplies a variable in a mathematical expression.

See it in a sentence

In the equation 3x + 2, the number 3 is the coefficient of x.

Engineers calculated the friction coefficient before testing the new brake pads.

A note on using this word

Also used outside pure math for measured ratios, such as a 'coefficient of expansion' in physics.

Words with a similar meaning

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