In mathematics, a coefficient is a number or symbol that represents a constant value that is multiplied by the variable of a single term or the terms of a polynomial
. It is a multiplicative factor involved in some term of a polynomial, a series, or an expression. It may be a number, in which case it is known as a numerical factor, or it may be a constant with units of measurement, in which case it is known as a constant multiplier
. For example, in the expression ax^2 + bx + c, x is the variable and 'a' and 'b' are the coefficients
. The coefficient attached to the highest degree of the variable in a polynomial is referred to as the leading coefficient
. A coefficient can be positive or negative, real or imaginary, or in the form of decimals or fractions
