Intermediate Algebra, Chapter 5, 5.2, Section 5.2, Problem 13

Write the polynomial $2x^3 + x - 3x^2 + 4$ in descending power of the variable. Then give the
leading term and leading coefficient.


Reorder the polynomial $2x^3 + x - 3x^2 + 4$ alphabetically from left to right, starting with the highest order term.
$2x^3 - 3x^2 + x + 4$

A polynomial consists of terms, which are also known as monomials. The leading term in a polynomial is the highest degree term.
In this case, the leading term in $2x^3 - 3x^2 + x + 4$ is the first term, which is $2x^3$

The leading coefficient in a polynomial is the coefficient of the leading term. In this case, the leading term is $2x^3$ and the leading coefficient is 2.
While the leading term in a polynomial is the highest degree term. In this case, the leading term is the first term, which is $2x^3$