Question

pick the expression that matches this description: a trinomial with a leading coefficient of 3 and a constant term of -5. choose 1 answer: a -5m² + 4m + 3 b 3m² - 5m + 1 c 3m² + m - 5 d 3m² - 5

Explanation:

Step1: Recall trinomial definition

A trinomial has three terms.

Step2: Check leading - coefficient

The leading - coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree. We want a leading - coefficient of 3.

Step3: Check constant term

The constant term is the term without a variable. We want a constant term of - 5.

• Option A: The leading - coefficient is - 5, not 3, so it's incorrect.
• Option B: The constant term is 1, not - 5, so it's incorrect.
• Option C: It is a trinomial, the leading - coefficient of the $m^{2}$ term is 3, and the constant term is - 5. This is correct.
• Option D: It is a binomial (two terms), not a trinomial, so it's incorrect.

Answer:

C. $3m^{2}+m - 5$