What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial & degree

The video tutorial explains the concepts of polynomial degree and leading coefficient. It begins with an introduction to the leading coefficient, followed by a detailed explanation of polynomial degree, emphasizing the largest term's power. Examples are provided to illustrate how to determine both the degree and the leading coefficient of a polynomial. The tutorial also highlights the importance of arranging polynomials in standard form to easily identify these elements.

What determines the degree of a polynomial?

• The smallest exponent in the polynomial

• The sum of all coefficients in the polynomial

• The number of terms in the polynomial

• The largest power of a monomial in the polynomial

In the polynomial 3x^2 + 5x + 7, what is the degree?

• 3

• 5

• 2

• 1

What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial?

• The sum of all coefficients

• The coefficient of the term with the smallest degree

• The coefficient of the term with the largest degree

• The first coefficient in the polynomial

In the polynomial -2x^2 + 5x - 7, what is the leading coefficient?

• 2

• -7

• 5

• -2

Why is it important to arrange a polynomial in standard form?

• To find the roots of the polynomial

• To simplify the polynomial

• To make it easier to add polynomials

• To easily identify the degree and leading coefficient