CONCEPT PREVIEW Fill in the blank(s) to correctly complete each sentence. The numerical coefficient in the term -7yz² is ___________.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the term given: \(-7yz^2\).
2. Recognize that a term in algebra is composed of a numerical coefficient and variables.
3. The numerical coefficient is the number that multiplies the variables in the term.
4. In the term \(-7yz^2\), the numerical coefficient is the number in front of the variables \(y\) and \(z^2\).
5. Thus, the numerical coefficient in the term \(-7yz^2\) is \(-7\).

Key Concepts

Numerical Coefficient

A numerical coefficient is a constant factor that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression. In the term -7yz², the coefficient is the number that is directly in front of the variables, which indicates how many times the variable is scaled. It is important to recognize that the coefficient can be positive or negative, affecting the overall value of the term.

Algebraic Terms

Algebraic terms are the building blocks of algebraic expressions, consisting of numbers, variables, or a combination of both. Each term is separated by a plus or minus sign. Understanding how to identify and manipulate these terms is crucial for solving equations and simplifying expressions in algebra.

Variables in Algebra

Variables are symbols used to represent unknown values in mathematical expressions and equations. In the term -7yz², 'y' and 'z' are variables that can take on different values, influencing the overall expression. Recognizing the role of variables is essential for understanding how they interact with coefficients and other terms in algebra.