Question

In the polynomial function F(x) = -19x^2 + 8x - 5x^3, what is the leading coefficient?

A. 2
B. -5
C. -19
D. 8
E. 1

Answer 1

In the polynomial function F(x), after rewriting it in descending order, the leading coefficient is -5, corresponding to option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the polynomial function F(x) = -19x^2 + 8x - 5x^3, to determine the leading coefficient, we need to identify the term with the highest power of x. The terms should be written in descending order of their exponents, so the polynomial function should be rewritten as F(x) = -5x^3 - 19x^2 + 8x. Here, the term with the highest power is -5x^3. Thus, the leading coefficient is -5, which corresponds to option B.