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Coefficients are the numbers attached to variables in algebraic equations. If there is no number attached to the variable it is an understood 1. These numbers are multiplied with the variables. When you solve for the variable and put that value back into the algebraic equation in place of the variable it must make the equation true.

Subscripts are numbers that are written at the bottom right of a value (variable/ number). They look similar to exponents except they are below the value. They are used as identification so you can distinguish where the value came from. Having them below the value keeps the subscripts from getting mixed up with exponents.

For example when you are talking about finding the slope of a line you first choose 2 points.

Points are labeled by an ordered set of numbers that specify the exact location of the point. Lines are graphed in 2-dimensions so there are 2 numbers used to identify the point. the first number refers to the horizontal placement of the point from the origin of the graph (the point where the 2 axes intersect) and the second number refers to the vertical placement of the point. We write the ordered numbers in parentheses ex (2, 3) would mean the point is 2 units to the right of the origin and 3 units up from the origin.

In algebra we refer to the coordinates (ordered numbers) of a point as (x, y).

When we talk about finding the slope of a line we find the ratio of: the difference (subtraction) of the y-values to the difference of the x-values. When writing and using formulas it is necessary to keep track of where the variables came from. For slope we are using 2 points so we have to keep track of which x- and y-value belong to the 1st point and which ones belong to the 2nd point. This is where subscripts come into use. They help identify where the variables came from and will not be confused with exponents

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βˆ™ 15y ago
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βˆ™ 7mo ago

Coefficients are numbers placed in front of chemical formulas to indicate the relative amount of each substance in a reaction. Subscripts are numbers written at the bottom right of an element's symbol in a chemical formula to show the number of atoms of that element in a compound.

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βˆ™ 12y ago

coefficients are the normal-sized numbers that go to the left of the formulas and subscripts are the tiny numbers to the right of an atom/ion in a compound

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Q: What are coefficients and subscripts?
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Why is it not possible to change the subscripts to balance the equation?

Changing subscripts in a chemical formula changes the actual chemical species present, leading to a different reaction. Subscripts represent the ratio of elements in a compound and should not be changed to balance chemical equations. Balancing equations is done by adjusting coefficients in front of chemical formulas, not by changing subscripts.


How Chemical equations are balanced by changing the subscripts of the molecule true or false?

False. Chemical equations are balanced by changing the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas, not the subscripts within the formulas. The number of atoms of each element must be equal on both sides of the equation to ensure that mass is conserved.


Is this true or false Subscripts can be changed in order to balance a chemical equation?

True. Subscripts represent the number of atoms of each element in a compound and changing them would change the chemical formula, possibly making it unbalanced in the equation. By adjusting the coefficients of the compounds involved in the reaction, the equation can be balanced without modifying the subscripts.


What is the differences between subscripts and coefficients?

A coefficient is the number that goes before an element when your balancing the equation. And a subscript is the number after the element. Subscripts are not changed when you balance the equation.


What Never change a subscript to balance an equation?

Subscripts in a chemical formula represent the number of each atom present in a compound. Changing a subscript without changing the corresponding coefficients in a balanced chemical equation would alter the chemical formula and lead to an unbalanced equation. To balance the equation, adjust the coefficients in front of the compounds rather than changing the subscripts.

Related questions

How can you balance a chemical equation by changing the subscripts?

Balancing only allows you to change the coefficients, NOT the subscripts.


When balancing equations should you adjust the subscripts or the coefficients?

Subscripts state how many atoms and Coefficients state how many molecules there are. So when balancing an equation you always adjust the coefficients. When this equation is balanced, what is the coefficient for Ni(NOËÄ)ËÄ? 4


Are Chemical equations are balanced by changing the subscripts of the molecules?

ABSOLUTELY NOT Change the coefficients on reactant or productt units.


To balance a chemical equation you must adjust the?

coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.


Why is it not possible to change the subscripts to balance the equation?

Changing subscripts in a chemical formula changes the actual chemical species present, leading to a different reaction. Subscripts represent the ratio of elements in a compound and should not be changed to balance chemical equations. Balancing equations is done by adjusting coefficients in front of chemical formulas, not by changing subscripts.


How Chemical equations are balanced by changing the subscripts of the molecule true or false?

False. Chemical equations are balanced by changing the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas, not the subscripts within the formulas. The number of atoms of each element must be equal on both sides of the equation to ensure that mass is conserved.


When balancing a chemical equation do you alter the coefficients but not the subscripts in the equation?

Yes, when balancing a chemical equation, you only change the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to balance the number of atoms on both sides of the equation. Subscripts, which represent the number of atoms within a molecule, remain unchanged as they reflect the actual chemical formula of the compound.


Which do you use to balance equations subscrips or coefficients?

Both. you must have the correct subscripts to represent the correct chemical then you only change the coefficients to balance the equation. The product of a coefficient and a subscript tells how many atoms are present.


Is this true or false Subscripts can be changed in order to balance a chemical equation?

True. Subscripts represent the number of atoms of each element in a compound and changing them would change the chemical formula, possibly making it unbalanced in the equation. By adjusting the coefficients of the compounds involved in the reaction, the equation can be balanced without modifying the subscripts.


What is the differences between subscripts and coefficients?

A coefficient is the number that goes before an element when your balancing the equation. And a subscript is the number after the element. Subscripts are not changed when you balance the equation.


What Never change a subscript to balance an equation?

Subscripts in a chemical formula represent the number of each atom present in a compound. Changing a subscript without changing the corresponding coefficients in a balanced chemical equation would alter the chemical formula and lead to an unbalanced equation. To balance the equation, adjust the coefficients in front of the compounds rather than changing the subscripts.


Is it true that the subscripts in a balanced chemical equation specify the volume ratios for gaseous reactants and products?

No, the subscripts in a balanced chemical equation represent the number of atoms of each element in the reaction. The coefficients in front of the chemical formulas indicate the mole ratios for reactants and products, but volume ratios of gaseous reactants and products are determined by the ideal gas law and the coefficients in the balanced equation.