Question 615461
(x^2 - 4x + 3) + (3x^2 - 3x - 5) 


x^2 - 4x + 3 + 3x^2 - 3x - 5 


(x^2+3x^2) + (-4x-3x) + (3 - 5)


4x^2 - 7x - 2


So (x^2 - 4x + 3) + (3x^2 - 3x - 5) simplifies to 4x^2 - 7x - 2


The leading term is 4x^2. So the leading coefficient is 4. The degree is equal to the exponent of the leading term (it's the largest exponent). So the degree is 2.


Let me know if this helps. Thanks.