Final Answer:
The correct coefficient on x in 2x^2 + 3x - 4 is 3 (option c).
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the coefficient on x in the given expression 2x^2 + 3x - 4, we look at the term containing x. In this case, it is the second term, 3x. The coefficient on x is the numerical factor multiplied by x, which is 3. Therefore, the correct answer is (option c) 3.
Understanding coefficients is crucial in algebra as they represent the scaling factor of the variable term. In a polynomial expression, the coefficient on a term with a variable is the number by which the variable is multiplied. In the given expression, the term 3x indicates that x is multiplied by 3. Identifying and interpreting coefficients is fundamental for simplifying expressions, solving equations, and understanding the behavior of polynomial functions.
In this context, recognizing the coefficient on x is a straightforward process. The coefficient directly precedes the variable and provides essential information about the scale of the variable term within the expression. Thus, for 2x^2 + 3x - 4, the coefficient on x is indeed 3.