Factoring question.

What your fraction really means is, "\(3 + 3\sqrt{11}\) divided by 3."

In general, to divide a sum (that you can't simplify further) by a number, you divide each part of the sum by that number individually.

For example, 120x + 50y divided by 2, will be 60x + 25y.

We're looking at \(3 + 3\sqrt{11}\), divided by 3. Divide each part by 3: 3 divided by 3 is 1, and \(3\sqrt{11}\) divided by 3 is \(\sqrt{11}\). The sum is 1 + \(\sqrt{11}\).

If you ever want to double check something like this, try plugging it into a calculator when you review. You don't get to use a calculator during the GMAT, but it's fine to use one when you review a problem you've already done, or when you're learning a new concept! In this case, \(3 + 3\sqrt{11}\) is a little bit less than 13. Divide that by 3 to get approximately 4.3. You can then confirm that 1 + [m]\sqrt{11} is approximately 4.3 as well.