Numerical coefficient when variable is in denominator

Question

What is  the numerical coefficient in 12/x ?

Answer 1

The coefficient is the number in front of the variable... The number by which it is multiplied.

 

12/x = 12x^-1

 

The coefficient is 12

Answer 2

12/x is just 12x^-1.

 

You might see an equation like:

    5x² + 3x + 2 + 12x^-1 = 0          [note that 2 = 2x⁰ in this equation]

 

So, there is a coefficient of x² . . . and there is a coefficient of x^-1.