Let's carefully examine the expression [tex]\( 5a + 9b - 4 \)[/tex] and identify the specific components mentioned in the question:
1. Coefficient:
A coefficient is the numerical factor that multiplies a variable. In the expression [tex]\( 5a + 9b - 4 \)[/tex]:
- The term [tex]\( 5a \)[/tex] has the coefficient [tex]\( 5 \)[/tex].
- The term [tex]\( 9b \)[/tex] has the coefficient [tex]\( 9 \)[/tex].
Since the question instructs us to identify a single coefficient and we often focus on the first listed variable, we identify [tex]\( 5 \)[/tex] as the coefficient.
2. Constant:
A constant is a standalone number without any variables attached to it. In the expression [tex]\( 5a + 9b - 4 \)[/tex]:
- The term [tex]\(-4\)[/tex] is the constant.
3. Number of terms:
Terms are separated by addition or subtraction operators ('+' or '-'). In the expression [tex]\( 5a + 9b - 4 \)[/tex]:
- [tex]\( 5a \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( 9b \)[/tex]
- [tex]\(-4\)[/tex]
This gives us a total of three terms.
Hence, we can match each word to the appropriate example as follows:
- The coefficient is [tex]\( 5 \)[/tex].
- The constant is [tex]\( -4 \)[/tex].
- There are [tex]\( 3 \)[/tex] terms in the expression.
In conclusion:
[tex]\[ 5 \text{ is a coefficient.} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ -4 \text{ is a constant.} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{There are } 3 \text{ terms in the expression.} \][/tex]
