Question

Identify the coefficient of the variable term of the polynomial 5x^4-2x^2 8x-3

Answer 1

The coefficient is the number that the variable is multiplied by, so...
x^4 is 5 because 5 comes before x^4
x^3 is 0 because it doesn't exist
x^2 is -2 because -2 comes before x^2
x^1 (or just x) is 8 because 8 comes before x

Answer 2

the coefficient of x^4 and the leading coefficient is 5
the coefficient of x^2 is -2
the coefficient of x is 8