Answer: The general form of the polynomial expression -x^4 + 8 is a fourth-degree polynomial.
Step-by-step explanation: A fourth-degree polynomial is an algebraic expression with the highest power of x being four. The general form of a fourth-degree polynomial is given by ax^4 + bx^3 + cx^2 + dx + e, where a, b, c, d, and e are constants. In this case, the given polynomial has a leading coefficient of -1 (a = -1), and all other coefficients are zero except for the constant term, which is 8 (e = 8). Therefore, the general form of -x^4 + 8 is -x^4 + 0x^3 + 0x^2 + 0x + 8.