1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{-3 - \sqrt{80}}{6}$$.
2. **Recall the rules:** To simplify, first simplify the square root if possible, then simplify the fraction by factoring and canceling common factors.
3. **Simplify the square root:** $$\sqrt{80} = \sqrt{16 \times 5} = \sqrt{16} \times \sqrt{5} = 4\sqrt{5}$$.
4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$\frac{-3 - 4\sqrt{5}}{6}$$.
5. **Check for common factors:** The numerator terms are \(-3\) and \(-4\sqrt{5}\), and the denominator is 6.
6. **Factor numerator if possible:** There is no common factor between 3 and 4\sqrt{5} other than 1, so we keep it as is.
7. **Simplify the fraction by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor if any:**
Since 3 and 6 share a factor 3, rewrite numerator as \(-3 - 4\sqrt{5}\) and denominator as 6.
We can write:
$$\frac{-3 - 4\sqrt{5}}{6} = \frac{\cancel{3}(-1) - 4\sqrt{5}}{\cancel{6}}$$
But 4\sqrt{5} is not divisible by 3, so no common factor for entire numerator.
8. **Final simplified form:** $$\frac{-3 - 4\sqrt{5}}{6}$$.
**Answer:** The simplified expression is $$\frac{-3 - 4\sqrt{5}}{6}$$.
Simplify Fraction 504B3F
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