Identify the coefficient of the variable term of the polynomial 5x^4-2x^2 8x-3

The coefficient is the number that the variable is multiplied by, so ...

x^4 is 5 because 5 comes before x^4

x^3 is 0 because it doesn't exist

x^2 is - 2 because - 2 comes before x^2

x^1 (or just x) is 8 because 8 comes before x

The coefficient of x^4 and the leading coefficient is 5

the coefficient of x^2 is - 2

the coefficient of x is 8