In the expression 5x² + 3, the coefficient is the number that is directly in front of the variable term.
1. The coefficient of the term 5x² is 5 because it is the number multiplied by the variable x².
2. The coefficient of the term 3 is simply 3 as it is a standalone number without a variable attached to it.
Therefore, in the expression 5x² + 3, the coefficient is 5 for the term with the variable and 3 for the constant term.