Step by step
The question
Question: what is the coefficient of y in 4x² + 9 − 2y?
4x2 + 9 − 2y
1 Split into terms
Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.
Each sign stays with the term after it.
So the terms are 4x², 9 and −2y.
= terms: 4x2, 9, −2y
Careful!
The minus sign goes with the term.
It is −2y, not 2y.
Careful: not 2y ✗
2 Name each part
The term with y is −2y.
The number in front of the letter is −2.
= y term: −2y → coefficient −2
3 Check
Let's check: put the terms back together.
4x² plus 9 plus −2y.
Adding a negative is taking away.
We get 4x² + 9 − 2y again.
So the answer is right!
4x² + 9 + (−2y) = 4x² + 9 − 2y
Let's look back.
First: split into terms.
Then: name each part.
Last: check.
Answer
= y term: −2y → coefficient −2