'Arbitrary coefficient' definitions:

Definition of 'Arbitrary coefficient'

From: GCIDE
  • Coefficient \Co`ef*fi"cient\, n.
  • 1. That which unites in action with something else to produce the same effect. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. [Cf. F. coefficient.] (Math.) A number or letter put before a letter or quantity, known or unknown, to show how many times the latter is to be taken; as, 6x; bx; here 6 and b are coefficients of x. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Physics) A number, commonly used in computation as a factor, expressing the amount of some change or effect under certain fixed conditions as to temperature, length, volume, etc.; as, the coefficient of expansion; the coefficient of friction. [1913 Webster]
  • Arbitrary coefficient (Math.), a literal coefficient placed arbitrarily in an algebraic expression, the value of the coefficient being afterwards determined by the conditions of the problem. [1913 Webster]