Step by step
The question
Question: name the terms, the coefficients and the constant of 12 − 5m².
12 − 5m2
1 Split into terms
Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.
Each sign stays with the term after it.
So the terms are 12 and −5m².
= terms: 12, −5m2
Careful!
The minus sign goes with the term.
It is −5m², not 5m².
Careful: not 5m² ✗
2 Name each part
A coefficient is the number in front of a letter: −5 for m².
A constant has no letter: 12.
= coefficients: −5 constant: 12
3 Check
Let's check: put the terms back together.
12 plus −5m².
Adding a negative is taking away.
We get 12 − 5m² again.
So the answer is right!
12 + (−5m²) = 12 − 5m²
Let's look back.
First: split into terms.
Then: name each part.
Last: check.
Answer
= coefficients: −5 constant: 12