Question

1. what is the leading coefficient of the polynomial $5x^6 - 3x^4 + 2x^2 - 1$?

a. 2
b. -1
c. 5
d. -3

Explanation:

Step1: Identify highest degree term

The polynomial is $5x^6 - 3x^4 + 2x^2 - 1$. The term with the highest exponent (degree) is $5x^6$.

Step2: Extract leading coefficient

The coefficient of the highest degree term is the numerical factor attached to $x^6$, which is $5$.

Answer:

c. 5