Question

If 2x^2-5x+7 is subtracted from x^2+2x-11, what is the leading coefficient?

a)-18
b)2
c)-2
d)7

Answer 1

-1

Explanation:

2x² - 5x + 7 is subtracted from x² + 2x - 11, so

(x² + 2x - 11) - (2x² - 5x + 7)

x² + 2x - 11 - 2x² + 5x -7 (Distribute the negative)

-x² + 7x - 18 (Combine like terms)

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the first term, so it is -1.