Simplify the expression using exponent rules.
$-\frac{12b^{11}}{4b^7}$

• A. $-3b^{18}$
• B. $-3b^{-18}$
• C. $-3b^4$
• D. $-3b^{-4}$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the expression to simplify: \(-\frac{12b^{11}}{4b^7}\).
2. Apply the quotient rule for exponents: \(\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}\). This gives \(b^{11-7} = b^4\).
3. Simplify the coefficients: \(-\frac{12}{4} = -3\).
4. Combine the simplified coefficient and the result from the exponent rule: \(-3b^4\).
5. Recognize that the expression \(-3b^{-18}\) is not needed for simplification, as it does not affect the simplified form of the original expression.