Question

question 8 of 10
what is the degree of $12x^4 - 8x + 4x^2 - 3$?

a. 8

b. 12

c. 3

d. 4

Explanation:

Step1: Recall degree definition

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power (exponent) of the variable in its terms.

Step2: Identify exponents

In the polynomial \(12x^4 - 8x + 4x^2 - 3\), the exponents of \(x\) in each term are: for \(12x^4\) it's 4, for \(-8x\) (which is \(-8x^1\)) it's 1, for \(4x^2\) it's 2, and for the constant term \(-3\) (which can be thought of as \(-3x^0\)) it's 0.

Step3: Find the highest exponent

Among 4, 1, 2, and 0, the highest is 4.

Answer:

D. 4