Question

the leading coefficient of $4x^3 - 12x^2 - 3x + 9$ is ______. select the correct response: -12, 2, none of the above, 4, 9, -3, 3

Explanation:

Step1: Recall leading coefficient definition

The leading coefficient of a polynomial is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree.

Step2: Identify highest degree term

In the polynomial \(4x^{3}-12x^{2}-3x + 9\), the term with the highest degree (exponent of \(x\) is 3) is \(4x^{3}\).

Step3: Determine leading coefficient

The coefficient of \(4x^{3}\) is 4.

Answer:

4 (corresponding to the option "4")