Step by step
The question
Question: what is the coefficient of a² in a² + 6a − 4?
a2 + 6a − 4
1 Split into terms
Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.
Each sign stays with the term after it.
So the terms are a², 6a and −4.
= terms: a2, 6a, −4
Careful!
The minus sign goes with the term.
It is −4, not 4.
Careful: not constant 4 ✗
2 Name each part
No number in front means 1.
a² is 1 times a.
a² = 1 × a²
The term with a² is a².
The number in front of the letter is 1.
= a² term: a2 → coefficient 1
3 Check
Let's check: put the terms back together.
a² plus 6a plus −4.
Adding a negative is taking away.
We get a² + 6a − 4 again.
So the answer is right!
a² + 6a + (−4) = a² + 6a − 4
Let's look back.
First: split into terms.
Then: name each part.
Last: check.
Answer
= a² term: a2 → coefficient 1