Question

Coefficient of $y$ in the term $-\frac{y}{3}$ is

• A. $-1$
• B. $-3$
• C. $-\frac{1}{3}$
• D. $\frac{1}{3}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$-\frac{1}{3}$

The explanation for the correct option:

Definition of coefficient:

The multiplicative or numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression or polynomial is called the “coefficient”.

A coefficient is generally a constant, but maybe a variable or an expression also.

For example: In the polynomial $7x^2-2ax+3$, the coefficient of $x^2$ is $7$, the coefficient of $x$ is $-2a$ and $3$ is the constant coefficient.

Determine the coefficient of $y$ in the term $-\frac{y}{3}$:

The given term $-\frac{y}{3}$ can be written as $\left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)y$. Here the numerical factor of $y$ is $-\frac{1}{3}$.

Therefore, the coefficient of $y$ in the term $-\frac{y}{3}$ is $-\frac{1}{3}$.

Hence, the correct option is C.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A. $-1$

The given term $-\frac{y}{3}$ can be written as $\left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)y$. Here the numerical factor of $y$ is $-\frac{1}{3}$.

Therefore, $-1$ is not the coefficient of $y$ in the term $-\frac{y}{3}$.

Option B. $-3$

The given term $-\frac{y}{3}$ can be written as $\left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)y$. Here the numerical factor of $y$ is $-\frac{1}{3}$.

Therefore, $-3$ is not the coefficient of $y$ in the term $-\frac{y}{3}$.

Option D. $\frac{1}{3}$

The given term $-\frac{y}{3}$ can be written as $\left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)y$. Here the numerical factor of $y$ is $-\frac{1}{3}$.

Therefore, $\frac{1}{3}$ is not the coefficient of $y$ in the term $-\frac{y}{3}$.