stuðul

Stuðull is the Icelandic term for coefficient, a number that multiplies a variable or term in a mathematical expression. In algebra, coefficients determine how much each term contributes to the value of the expression. For example, in the polynomial 3x^2 + 2x - 5, the coefficient of x^2 is 3, the coefficient of x is 2, and -5 is the constant term (the coefficient of x^0).

In equations and systems, coefficients appear as multipliers of variables. In a linear equation such as a x + b y = c, a and b are the coefficients of x and y. In matrix form, the coefficients of a linear system form the coefficient matrix, which is used to solve for the unknowns.

In statistics, a coefficient often refers to a regression coefficient, which quantifies the expected change in the dependent variable for a unit change in a predictor. For a simple model y = α + β x, β is the regression coefficient.

The term is also used broadly in science and engineering to denote any multiplier or proportionality constant that relates quantities within an equation. The Icelandic word is standard across disciplines, and its plural form is stuðlar.

Overall, stuðull is a foundational concept in mathematics and applied sciences, identifying how much each term influences the result of a calculation or model.