Question

answer the questions about the following polynomial.
$-4 - x - \frac{1}{2}x^3$
answer attempt 1 out of 2
the expression represents a \dropdown polynomial with \boxed{} terms. the constant term is \boxed{}, the leading term and the leading coefficient is \boxed{}.
options for dropdown: quadratic, quartic, quintic, linear, cubic

Explanation:

Step1: Identify polynomial degree

The highest power of $x$ is $3$, so it is cubic.

Step2: Count number of terms

The terms are $-4$, $-x$, $-\frac{1}{2}x^3$: total 3.

Step3: Find constant term

Term without $x$ is $-4$.

Step4: Find leading term/coefficient

Term with highest power: $-\frac{1}{2}x^3$, coefficient is $-\frac{1}{2}$.

Answer:

The expression represents a cubic polynomial with $\boldsymbol{3}$ terms. The constant term is $\boldsymbol{-4}$, the leading term is $\boldsymbol{-\frac{1}{2}x^3}$ and the leading coefficient is $\boldsymbol{-\frac{1}{2}}$.