Question

What are the leading coefficient and degree of the polynomial `-12u ^ { 7} + 5+ 7u ^ { 5} - 23u ^ { 2}`?

Answer 1

Leading coefficient: -12
Degree: 7

Explanation:

The leading coefficient is the coefficient (aka "number") in front of the highest exponent power of the variable in the problem. The degree of the polynomial is the highest exponent of the variable in the problem.

To find both easily, rearrange your polynomial from highest exponent to lowest:

`-12u^7 + 7u^5 - 23u^2 + 5`

Now, look for the highest exponent term, which should be the first one on the line if you rearranged everything correctly. In this case, that term is `-12u^7`.

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of this term, or `-12`. The degree of the polynomial is the exponent of this term, which should be the highest exponent in the problem, or `7`.