how do is simplify 12x-8/4??

Question

I just need help I missed the day we learned it and need help, I only need to simplify but I do need to show my work. Please and Thank you!! 

Answer 1

I don't see brackets around 12x-8 in 12x-8/4. I read the problem as the quotient of 8/4 being subtracted from 12x.

 

So, I get 12x -2, and then factoring I get 2(6x-1) which is the correct solution in consideration of the order of operations.

 

If your assumption is correct that the student meant to write (12x-8)/4 but instead wrote 12x-8/4 the student needs to be reminded of the importance of the order of operations.

Answer 2

(12x - 8)/4 = (12x/4) - (8/4) = 3x - 2

 

You can also solve this by using the Distributive Property to factor a 4 out of the numerator:

 

(12x - 8) / 4 = 4*(3x-2)/4 = 3x - 2