To determine the coefficient of the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] in the expression [tex]\( 2 - 5x - 4 + 8 \)[/tex], let's proceed step-by-step.
1. Identify the term with the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
- The given expression is [tex]\( 2 - 5x - 4 + 8 \)[/tex].
- The term that includes the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is [tex]\(-5x\)[/tex].
2. Extract the coefficient:
- The coefficient of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is the number that is multiplied directly by [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
- In the term [tex]\(-5x\)[/tex], the number multiplying [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is [tex]\(-5\)[/tex].
3. Simplify other terms if necessary:
- Although this step is not needed to find the coefficient of [tex]\( x \)[/tex], simplifying the expression can be helpful for understanding.
- Combine the constant terms: [tex]\( 2 - 4 + 8 \)[/tex].
- Simplifying those: [tex]\( 2 - 4 = -2 \)[/tex], and then [tex]\(-2 + 8 = 6\)[/tex].
So the expression simplifies to [tex]\( 6 - 5x \)[/tex], which still keeps [tex]\(-5x\)[/tex] as the term involving [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Therefore, the coefficient of the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] in the expression [tex]\( 2 - 5x - 4 + 8 \)[/tex] is:
Answer:
a [tex]\(\quad -5\)[/tex]
