# Coefficient > [!info]+ Definition > **The multiplier in a [[Term|term]].** > [!characteristics]+ Characteristics (things to know) > - Terms with no number have a coefficient of $1$ > - If the variable is being subtracted, the coefficient is negative. > - The coefficient always goes first in a term. > [!Examples]+ >- $7x$ > The coefficient is $7$ > - $16b^2$  > The coefficient is $16$ > - $(-5y)$ > The coefficient is $(-5)$ > - $3.1(a + b)$ > The coefficient is $3.1$ > - $y$ > The coefficient is $1$ > - $ax$ > The coefficient is $a$ if $a$ represents a [[Constant|constant]] >[!non-examples]+ >- $5x$ > The coefficient is **not** $5x$ >- $(-6y)$ > The coefficient is **not** $6$