What is a number that multiples a variable known as?

A number that multiplies a variable is known as a coefficient. In algebraic expressions, coefficients are the numerical part that precedes the variable and indicates how many times the variable is multiplied by that number. For example, in the expression 5x, the number 5 is the coefficient, meaning that the variable x is multiplied by 5.

This concept is fundamental in algebra because coefficients play a crucial role in determining the value of an expression based on the variable's value. Understanding coefficients helps in simplifying expressions, solving equations, and grasping more complex concepts in algebra.