Question

question 7 of 10
what is the degree of $12x^4 - 8x + 4x^2 - 3$?
a. 12
b. 3
c. 8
d. 4

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the definition of the degree of a polynomial

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power (exponent) of the variable in the polynomial.

Step2: Identify the exponents of each term

• For the term \(12x^{4}\), the exponent of \(x\) is \(4\).
• For the term \(-8x\), the exponent of \(x\) is \(1\) (since \(x = x^{1}\)).
• For the term \(4x^{2}\), the exponent of \(x\) is \(2\).
• For the constant term \(-3\), the exponent of \(x\) (if we consider it as \(x^{0}\)) is \(0\).

Step3: Determine the highest exponent

Among the exponents \(4\), \(1\), \(2\), and \(0\), the highest one is \(4\).

Answer:

D. 4