Give the Degree of the Polynomial and Identify Its Leading $- 9 x ^ { 3 } - 8 x ^ { 4 } + 18 x ^ { 5 } + 12$

Multiple Choice

Give the degree of the polynomial and identify its leading coefficient.
- $- 9 x ^ { 3 } - 8 x ^ { 4 } + 18 x ^ { 5 } + 12$

A) degree: 3; leading coefficient: 18
B) degree: 5; leading coefficient: -9
C) degree: 3; leading coefficient: -9
D) degree: 5; leading coefficient: 18