Math Doubts

Numerical factor of algebraic terms

A number that multiplies at least a literal to form an algebraic term is called the numerical factor of an algebraic term.

Introduction

An algebraic term is formed by the product of a number and at least a literal to represent a quantity in mathematical form. The number multiplies the literal in the algebraic term. Hence, it is known as a factor basically but it is a numeral. Therefore, it is known as a numerical factor.

Example

$6xy$ is an algebraic term.

In this algebraic term, the number $6$ and the literals $x$ and $y$ are multiplying each other to represent a quantity in product form. Mathematically, a multiplying element is called a factor in a term. Hence, all three of them are factors but $6$ is a factor in numerical form. Hence, the number $6$ is called a numerical factor.

More Examples

Look at the following examples to know how to determine a numerical factor in every algebraic term.

$(1)\,\,\,\,\,\,$ $-4a$
In this example, $-4$ is a number and multiplying the literal $a$. Hence, $-4$ is called a numerical factor.

$(2)\,\,\,\,\,\,$ $7b^2c$
$7$ is called the numerical factor.

$(3)\,\,\,\,\,\,$ $0.07gh^3$
$0.07$ is a decimal number. Hence, it is called the numerical factor.

$(4)\,\,\,\,\,\,$ $\dfrac{7e^4}{5}$
The algebraic term $\dfrac{7e^4}{5}$ can be written as $\dfrac{7}{5}e^4$. Therefore, $\dfrac{7}{5}$ is called the numerical factor.

$(5)\,\,\,\,\,\,$ $\dfrac{-j^4}{4k}$
The algebraic term can be written as $-\dfrac{1}{4} \times \dfrac{j^4}{k}$. Therefore, the numerical factor is $-\dfrac{1}{4}$.

Math Doubts

A best free mathematics education website for students, teachers and researchers.

Maths Topics

Learn each topic of the mathematics easily with understandable proofs and visual animation graphics.

Maths Problems

Learn how to solve the math problems in different methods with understandable steps and worksheets on every concept for your practice.

Learn solutions

Subscribe us

You can get the latest updates from us by following to our official page of Math Doubts in one of your favourite social media sites.

Copyright © 2012 - 2022 Math Doubts, All Rights Reserved