1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{-40p^4 - 15p^3}{-5p^2}$$. 2. **Recall the rule:** When dividing terms with the same base, subtract the exponents: $$\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$$. 3. **Split the fraction:** $$\frac{-40p^4}{-5p^2} + \frac{-15p^3}{-5p^2}$$ 4. **Simplify each term separately:** - For the first term: $$\frac{-40p^4}{-5p^2} = \frac{\cancel{-40}p^4}{\cancel{-5}p^2} = 8p^{4-2} = 8p^2$$ - For the second term: $$\frac{-15p^3}{-5p^2} = \frac{\cancel{-15}p^3}{\cancel{-5}p^2} = 3p^{3-2} = 3p$$ 5. **Combine the simplified terms:** $$8p^2 + 3p$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$8p^2 + 3p$$