What are the leading coefficient and degree of the polynomial? \[ 23 x^{8}-x^{6}-2-12 x^{4} \] Leading coefficient: \( \square \) Degree: \( \square \)

Let the polynomial be \[ 23x^{8}-x^{6}-2-12x^{4}. \] **Step 1.** Rewrite the polynomial in standard form (arranging terms in descending order by power): \[ 23x^8 - x^6 - 12x^4 - 2. \] **Step 2.** Identify the term with the highest exponent. The highest exponent here is \(8\) from the term \(23x^8\). **Step 3.** The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the highest degree term. In this case, the leading coefficient is \(23\). **Answer.** Leading coefficient: \(23\) Degree: \(8\)