How to identify the leading coefficient and degree of a polynomial

The video tutorial explains how to rewrite polynomials in descending order by arranging terms with the largest power first. It clarifies the concept of powers of x, including x to the first and x to the zero. The tutorial demonstrates reordering polynomial terms and emphasizes the importance of identifying the degree and leading coefficient. The degree is the largest power, and the leading coefficient is the number in front of the term with the highest power.

Why is it important to rewrite a polynomial in descending order before identifying the degree?

Identify the leading coefficient in the polynomial 5x cubed plus 3x squared.