How do I simplify the expression (-8w+12)/-4?

Question

simplify the expression (-8w+12)/-4

Answer 1

To simplify the original answer slightly, because both parts of the equation above the line are divisible by -4, you can simply apply this:

(-8w+12)/-4 =
[(-8/-4)w + (12/-4) ] =
2w-3

Answer 2

If you have multiple terms in the numerator over one denominator, the probem can be treated like a multiplication problem, where the number being distributed is a fraction.

(-82 + 12)/(-4)                 Given

-1/4(-8w + 12)                 Multiply by -1/4 is the same as dividing by -4

-1/4(-8w) - 1/4(12)           Distributive property

2w - 3                              Simplify