SOLUTION: If the following is a polynomial function, then state its degree and leading coefficient. If it is not, then state this fact. f(x) = -15x^5 - 7x^4 + 3

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: If the following is a polynomial function, then state its degree and leading coefficient. If it is not, then state this fact. f(x) = -15x^5 - 7x^4 + 3      Log On


   



Question 1106848: If the following is a polynomial function, then state its degree and leading coefficient. If it is not, then state this fact.
f(x) = -15x^5 - 7x^4 + 3

Found 2 solutions by Boreal, greenestamps:
Answer by Boreal(15235) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It is, with degree 5 and leading coefficient -15.

Answer by greenestamps(13198) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Basic vocabulary, so it's important to learn....

Yes, it is a polynomial, because each term is either a constant or a constant times any number of variables, all of which are raised to powers that are whole numbers.

For the degree and leading coefficient of a polynomial, find the term with the highest power of the variable (or highest combined power of all the variables). The degree is that highest power; the leading coefficient is the constant part of that term (including sign).

For this example, the highest power term is -15x^5; so the degree is 5 and the leading coefficient is -15.