Step by step
The question
Question: what is the coefficient of x in 2x² − 5x + 1?
2x2 − 5x + 1
1 Split into terms
Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.
Each sign stays with the term after it.
So the terms are 2x², −5x and 1.
= terms: 2x2, −5x, 1
Careful!
The minus sign goes with the term.
It is −5x, not 5x.
Careful: not 5x ✗
2 Name each part
The term with x is −5x.
The number in front of the letter is −5.
= x term: −5x → coefficient −5
3 Check
Let's check: put the terms back together.
2x² plus −5x plus 1.
Adding a negative is taking away.
We get 2x² − 5x + 1 again.
So the answer is right!
2x² + (−5x) + 1 = 2x² − 5x + 1
Let's look back.
First: split into terms.
Then: name each part.
Last: check.
Answer
= x term: −5x → coefficient −5