Let's examine the given expression:
[tex]\[
9 + 4(x + 2) - 3x
\][/tex]
To determine which term best describes "3," we need to break down the expression and identify the role of each part.
1. Term Breakdown:
- The expression consists of three main components: [tex]\(9\)[/tex], [tex]\(4(x + 2)\)[/tex], and [tex]\(-3x\)[/tex].
- The number [tex]\(9\)[/tex] is a constant term, which is a fixed value and does not change.
2. Identifying Role of 3:
- The part of the expression [tex]\(-3x\)[/tex] shows that "3" is multiplied by the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex].
- Here, "3" serves to modify how much [tex]\(x\)[/tex] contributes to the value of the expression.
3. Understanding Coefficients:
- A coefficient is a numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic term.
- In the term [tex]\(-3x\)[/tex], "3" (specifically [tex]\(-3\)[/tex]) is the numerical factor that multiplies the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex].
4. Conclusion:
- Therefore, within the context of the expression, "3" (more accurately [tex]\(-3\)[/tex]) modifies the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex] and serves as a coefficient in the term [tex]\(-3x\)[/tex].
Based on the above steps and analysis, the correct term that best describes "3" in the given expression is:
C. coefficient
