How do I reduce this fraction:

Question

-6 - 18x / 6x + 2

Answer 1

-6(3x+1)
-----------
2 (3x+1)

= -3

Answer 2

First divide the entire equation by 2. That gives you the fraction -3-9x/3x+1. Then, divide the top part of the fraction by the bottom part which will give you a final answer of -3.

Answer 3

Factor the numerator and factor the denominator.

Then cancel like factors. Which is 3x + 1

Note, you removed the -6 so that the terms in your factor will be positive and match the denominator's factor.