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