Intermediate Algebra, Chapter 5, 5.2, Section 5.2, Problem 16

Write the polynomial $3y^2 + y^4 - 2y^3$ 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
$y^4 -2y^3 + 3y^2$
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 $y^4 -2y^3 + 3y^2$ is the first term, which is $y^4$

The leading coefficient in a polynomial is the coefficient of the leading term. In this case, the leading term is $y^4$ and the leading coefficient is 1.