Question

In the polynomial function F(x)=1/2x^2+8-5x^3-19x what is the leading the coefficient

Answer 1

The leading coefficient is in the term with the highest degree.
So its -5.

Answer 2

-5

Explanation:

The leading term in a polynomial consist on the highest degree term. To get the highest degree term, we need to reorder the polynomial from left to right, starting with the highest degree term.

In this case:

`f(x)=(1)/(2) x^(2) +8-5x^(3) -19x`

reordering

`f(x)=-5x^(3) +(1)/(2)x^(2)  -19x+8`

So, the leading coefficient is the one with the leading term:

`-5x^(3)`

So, it is -5