To determine the leading coefficient of the quadratic function [tex]\( f(x) = -2x^2 + 5x - 4 \)[/tex], we need to identify the coefficient of the term with the highest power of [tex]\(x\)[/tex]. In a quadratic function, this term is [tex]\( ax^2 \)[/tex].
Let's break down the function:
1. The given quadratic function is [tex]\( f(x) = -2x^2 + 5x - 4 \)[/tex].
2. The term with the highest power of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is [tex]\( -2x^2 \)[/tex].
3. The coefficient of this term, which is the number in front of [tex]\( x^2 \)[/tex], is [tex]\(-2\)[/tex].
Therefore, the leading coefficient of the function [tex]\( f(x) = -2x^2 + 5x - 4 \)[/tex] is [tex]\(\boxed{-2}\)[/tex].
