The beta coefficient is best defined as: Multiple Choice Slope of the SML, the difference between the expected return on a market portfolio and the risk-free rate. Principle stating that the expected return on a risky asset depends only on that asset's systematic risk. The amount of systematic risk present in a particular risky asset relative to an average risky asset. Equation of the SML showing the relationship between expected return and beta. Positively sloped straight line displaying the relationship between expected return and beta