In a linear function, what is the term for the number in front of x?

In the context of a linear function, the term that refers to the number in front of the variable x is called the coefficient of x. This coefficient represents the rate of change or the slope of the function, indicating how much y changes for a unit change in x.

For example, in the linear function written in the slope-intercept form as y = mx + b, 'm' is the coefficient of x, which dictates the steepness of the line when graphed. The larger the absolute value of this coefficient, the steeper the line will be. Additionally, this coefficient can be positive or negative, reflecting whether the line ascends or descends across the coordinate plane.

This understanding is foundational in analyzing and interpreting linear relationships, making it crucial not only for solving algebraic problems but also for applications in real-world contexts, such as predicting trends.