What is the leading coefficient of the polynomial \(3x^4-5x^2+2x-8\)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 3
The term with the highest power of the variable is called the leading term. Here, the leading term is \(3x^4\), so its leading coefficient is 3. Although -5 is also a coefficient in the polynomial, it belongs to the lower-degree term \(-5x^2\), not the leading term. Exam tip: identify the highest power first, then select the numerical coefficient of that term.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
3
Why is this the correct answer?
The term with the highest power of the variable is called the leading term. Here, the leading term is \(3x^4\), so its leading coefficient is 3. Although -5 is also a coefficient in the polynomial, it belongs to the lower-degree term \(-5x^2\), not the leading term. Exam tip: identify the highest power first, then select the numerical coefficient of that term.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Polynomials. Topic: Polynomials in one variable.
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