Fill in the blank to correctly complete each sentence. In the term -6x²y, -6 is the ______.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the parts of the term -6x^2y. The term consists of a coefficient, variables, and their exponents.
2. Recall that the coefficient is the numerical factor that multiplies the variables in a term.
3. In the term -6x^2y, the number -6 is the numerical factor multiplying the variables x and y.
4. Therefore, -6 is the coefficient of the term -6x^2y.
5. So, the blank should be filled with the word 'coefficient'.

Key Concepts

Coefficient

A coefficient is the numerical factor that multiplies the variables in a term. In the term -6x²y, -6 is the coefficient because it is the number directly multiplying the variables x² and y.

Variables and Exponents

Variables represent unknown values and are often raised to powers called exponents. In the term -6x²y, x is raised to the power of 2, indicating x is squared, while y is to the first power.

Terms in Algebraic Expressions

A term is a single part of an algebraic expression, consisting of coefficients, variables, and exponents combined by multiplication. Understanding terms helps identify components like coefficients and variables within expressions.