Final answer:
In mathematics, the variable is the unknown value or quantity, while the coefficient is the number multiplied by the variable. To separate the variable from the coefficient, perform algebraic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an equation, the variable is the unknown value or quantity, while the coefficient is the number multiplied by the variable. To separate the variable from the coefficient, you can perform algebraic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
For example, in the equation 3x = 12, the variable is 'x' and the coefficient is '3'. To separate the variable from the coefficient, divide both sides of the equation by '3', resulting in x = 4.