To address the given question, we need to analyze the expression [tex]\( 9 + 4(x + 2) - 3x \)[/tex] and identify the role of the number "3". To do this, let's break down and clearly identify each component of the expression:
1. Constants: Numbers that stand alone without any variables. In this expression, the constants are 9 and 8 (from simplifying 4*2).
2. Variable: A symbol used to represent a number that can change. In this expression, the variable is [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
3. Coefficient: A number that multiplies a variable. It is placed directly before the variable. For example, in [tex]\( 3x \)[/tex], the number 3 is the coefficient because it multiplies the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
4. Exponent: A number indicating how many times a base is multiplied by itself. For example, in [tex]\( x^2 \)[/tex], 2 is the exponent.
Now, let’s look specifically at the term [tex]\(-3x\)[/tex] in the expression [tex]\( 9 + 4(x + 2) - 3x \)[/tex]:
- The number “3” precedes the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] and multiplies it, making it the coefficient of [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Considering the other terms:
- The 9 and any other constants remain independently as constants.
- The 4 is a coefficient for the entire parentheses [tex]\( (x + 2) \)[/tex] but not directly relevant to the specific question about "3".
Therefore, the number "3" in the term [tex]\(-3x\)[/tex] is indeed the coefficient because it multiplies the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Thus, the best term to describe "3" in the given expression is:
A. coefficient
