To determine the coefficient of the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] in the expression [tex]\( 2 - 5x - 4 + 8 \)[/tex], let's follow these steps:
1. Identify the terms involving the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
- The expression is [tex]\( 2 - 5x - 4 + 8 \)[/tex].
- In this expression, the term involving the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is [tex]\( -5x \)[/tex].
2. Extract the coefficient of [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
- The coefficient is the number multiplying the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
- For the term [tex]\( -5x \)[/tex], the coefficient is [tex]\( -5 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the coefficient of the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] in the expression [tex]\( 2 - 5x - 4 + 8 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( -5 \)[/tex].
Among the provided options:
- [tex]\( -5 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( -4 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( 2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( 8 \)[/tex]
The correct answer is [tex]\( -5 \)[/tex].
