The polynomial $f(x) = -8x^4 + 9x^3 + 4x + 2$ is given in standard form.

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest power of $x$. In this case, the highest power of $x$ is $x^4$, and its coefficient is -8.

So, the leading coefficient of the polynomial is -8.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

1. What is the degree of the polynomial $f(x) = -8x^4 + 9x^3 + 4x + 2$?
2. How do you find the constant term in a polynomial?
3. What is the difference between the degree and the leading coefficient of a polynomial?
4. How do you determine if a polynomial is a monomial, binomial, or trinomial?
5. What is the significance of the leading term in a polynomial for graphing its behavior?

Tip: The degree of a polynomial is always the exponent of the highest power of $x$ in the expression.