LITERAL COEFFICIENT
\lˈɪtəɹə͡l kˌə͡ʊɪfˈɪʃənt], \lˈɪtəɹəl kˌəʊɪfˈɪʃənt], \l_ˈɪ_t_ə_ɹ_əl k_ˌəʊ_ɪ_f_ˈɪ_ʃ_ə_n_t]\
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[L.] The number prefixed to an algebraical symbol to show how many times the number denoted by that symbol is to be taken. Thus, if x denotes any number, known or unknown, 10x signifies a number that is ten times x, and 10 is said to be the coefficient of x in the expression 10x. A coefficient is not necessarily a whole number; it may be a fractional or incommensurable number, or even a number which is a combination of algebraical symbols, so that there are literal coefficients as well as numerical coefficients.
By Henry Percy Smith
Word of the day
Diabetic Ketosis
- Complication diabetes from severe insulin deficiency coupled with an absolute or relative increase in concentration. metabolic acidosis is caused by breakdown of adipose stores and resulting increased levels free fatty acids. Glucagon accelerates the oxidation acids producing excess ketone bodies (ketosis).