Chapter 11 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - 11.2 Polynomial Functions - Exercises and Problems for Section 11.2 - Exercises and Problems - Page 448: 9

$$-3x^2$$

The leading term is the term with the highest degree. The term with the highest degree is the term where the variable is raised to the highest power. Thus, the leading term is: $$-3x^2$$ Note, the terms raised to the fourth power cancel out.