MCQ practice · SSC Higher Mathematics Board questions · Chapter 2: Algebraic Expression
What is the leading coefficient of the polynomial p(x) = 12x² − 15x³ − 3x⁴ + 5 + 3x?
Think it through first, then pick an option.
- a −3
- b 3
- c 12
- d 15
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: a −3
−3 is the coefficient of x⁴; the highest power is 4, so the leading coefficient is −3.
Why the other options are wrong
- b 3: 3 is the coefficient of x; it is a different quantity from the one asked for.
- c 12: 12 is written first, but the leading term is the one of highest power, −3x⁴.
- d 15: −15 is the coefficient of x³; a higher power x⁴ is present.
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