coeficiente

In mathematics and related disciplines, a coeficiente, or coefficient in English, is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable, term, or function in an expression or equation. It serves as the weight or scale applied to the quantity it accompanies.

In algebra, coefficients are the numbers that multiply the variables in terms of a polynomial. For example, in 3x^2 - 5x + 2, the coefficients are 3 for x^2, -5 for x, and 2 as the constant term (the coefficient of x^0).

In systems of linear equations, coefficients appear in the coefficient matrix, which multiplies the variable vector to produce the constant terms. The arrangement and values of these coefficients determine the solvability and solutions of the system.

In statistics and econometrics, regression coefficients quantify the relationship between predictors and the dependent variable. A coefficient indicates the expected change in the outcome for a one-unit change in the corresponding predictor, assuming other variables remain constant.

In physics and engineering, coefficients describe proportional relationships between quantities. Notable examples include the coefficient of friction, the drag coefficient, and the thermal expansion coefficient. Coefficients may be dimensionless or carry units, and they are often determined from experiments or derived from theoretical models.

Etymology traces the term to Latin coefficientem, meaning something that accompanies or goes with another. The plural form is coefficients.