The given polynomial is
- 5x^2 - 8x^5 + x - 40
It can be rewritten as
- 8x^5 - 5x^2 + x - 40
The degree of the polynomial is the highest exponent of the variable in the polynomial. The highest exponent of x is 5. Thus,
degree = 5
The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest variable. The coefficient of x^5 is - 8. Thus,
Leading coefficient = - 8