Question

If the following expression is a polynomial, identify the leading coefficient. 7x^(2)-5x^(5)+9+8x^(3)

Answer 1

`\boxed{\rm{8}}`

Explanation:

Leading coefficient is coefficient of the term having the highest power in the polynomial. Here we have the polynomial:

`7 {x}^(2) - 5{x}^(5) + 9 + 8 {x}^(3)`

The highest power among the terms is 5 (as in -5x⁵), the coefficient of this term is -5.

Hence the leading coeff. of this polynomial is -5.