The coefficient of the linear term (the \(x\) term) is the number that is multiplied by \(x\) in each expression.
Let's examine each of the given expressions:
a. \(-x^2 + 3x + 1\)
The coefficient of \(x\) is \(3\).
b. \(3x^2 - x - 4\)
The coefficient of \(x\) is \(-1\).
c. \(2x^2 + 6x - 1\)
The coefficient of \(x\) is \(6\).
d. \(-2x^2 + x + 7\)
The coefficient of \(x\) is \(1\).
The only expression where the coefficient of the \(x\) term is \(-1\) is:
b. \(3x^2 - x - 4\).