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Closed 9 years ago.
Why are coefficients called "coefficients"?
For example I learned that squaring a number is called "squaring" because it actually refers to "making a square". That's how it was developed.
So what is efficient about a coefficient and why is it a "co" like a "coworker" or "coauthor" or a "coeditor"? I feel like if I understood it's history I might remember what it refers to.
