SOLUTION: f(x)=2 - x^2 THe question says; determine the leading term, the leading coefficient, and the degree of the polynomial. Then classify the polynomial as constant, linear, quadradic,

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: f(x)=2 - x^2 THe question says; determine the leading term, the leading coefficient, and the degree of the polynomial. Then classify the polynomial as constant, linear, quadradic,       Log On


   

Question 144412This question is from textbook
: f(x)=2 - x^2 THe question says; determine the leading term, the leading coefficient, and the degree of the polynomial. Then classify the polynomial as constant, linear, quadradic, cubic, and quartic. I am very confised on the whole problem. I am taking an online class and the teacher is useless. This question is from textbook

Answer by nabla(475) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The leading term is the term in a polynomial which contains the highest power of the variable. Here, that is -x^2. The leading coefficient is the number in front of the polynomial's leading term. Here that is -1. The degree of the polynomial is the highest/largest power of the x terms. Here that is 2. Quadratic equations get their name from the Latin for square: quadratus. Thus, because the highest term is a squared term, it makes sense to call it quadratic.
If you need/want explanations on what the other terms mean or more detail, E-mail me at enabla@gmail.com.