Step by step
The question
Question: name the terms, the coefficients and the constant of 4a − b + 9.
4a − b + 9
1 Split into terms
Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.
Each sign stays with the term after it.
So the terms are 4a, −b and 9.
= terms: 4a, −b, 9
Careful!
The minus sign goes with the term.
It is −b, not b.
Careful: not b ✗
2 Name each part
No number in front means 1.
−b is minus 1 times b.
−b = −1 × b
A coefficient is the number in front of a letter: 4 for a and −1 for b.
A constant has no letter: 9.
= coefficients: 4, −1 constant: 9
3 Check
Let's check: put the terms back together.
4a plus −b plus 9.
Adding a negative is taking away.
We get 4a − b + 9 again.
So the answer is right!
4a + (−b) + 9 = 4a − b + 9
Let's look back.
First: split into terms.
Then: name each part.
Last: check.
Answer
= coefficients: 4, −1 constant: 9