The number at the start of a term - for example, the number 3 at the start of `3x`, is known as a coefficient. The coefficient of `5x^3` is 5. But the coefficient need not necessarily be an integer; it may be a fraction or a decimal.
Simplify `frac(1)(2)``a` + `frac(1)(3)``a`
`frac(1)(2)``a + ``frac(1)(3)``a`
Because the terms are the same (`a`), the terms can be added together
`= ``frac(3)(6)``a + ``frac(2)(6)``a`
`= ``frac(5)(6)``a`
Answer: `frac(5)(6)``a`
Multiply `frac(1)(2)``b` and `4b`
`frac(1)(2)`` xx 4 xx b xx b = 2b^2`
Answer: `2b^2`
See also Adding and Subtracting Fractions and Multiplying Fractions