Intermediate Algebra, Chapter 5, 5.2, Section 5.2, Problem 15

Write the polynomial $4p^3 - 8p^5 + p^7$ in descending power of the variable. Then give the
leading term and leading coefficient.

Simplify the polynomial then reorder it left to right starting with the highest degree term

$p^7 + 4p^3 - 8p^5$

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 $p^7 + 4p^3 - 8p^5$ is the first term, which is $p^7$

The leading coefficient in a polynomial is the coefficient of the leading term.
In this case, the leading term is $p^7$ and the leading coefficient is 1.