Question

Given the polynomial, identify the coefficients and degree of each term: 8 x 4 + 7 x + 5 x 2 + 3 x 3 + 7 First term: degree= coefficient = Second term: degree= coefficient = Third term: degree= coefficient = Fourth term: degree= coefficient = Fifth term: degree= coefficient = Note: make sure that you understand the terms "leading coefficient" and "leading term"! What is the leading coefficient? What is the degree of the leading term? What is the degree of the polynomial?

Answer 1

leading coefficient is 8

degree of the leading term is 4

degree of the polynomial is 4

Explanation:

Given

`8x^4 + 7x + 5x^2 + 3x^3 + 7`

Solving (a): The leading coefficient

This is the coefficient of the
`variable`with the highest power.

The highest
`power` in the
`polynomial` is 5.

Hence, the leading coefficient is 8

Solving (b): Degree of the leading term

First, we identify the
`leading` term, i.e. the term that has the
`highest`
`power`.

This term is:
`8x^4`

So, the degree of the leading term is 4

Solving (c): Degree of the polynomial

This is the same as the
`degree` of the
`leading`term

So, the
`degree` of the
`polynomial` is 4