SOLUTION: Explain why the equation x(x+4)=12 cannot be solved by solving the two equations x=12 and x+4=12.

Question 1135718: Explain why the equation x(x+4)=12 cannot be solved by solving the two equations x=12 and x+4=12.
Found 3 solutions by Alan3354, ikleyn, josgarithmetic:
Answer by Alan3354(69443)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Because you get the wrong results.

Answer by ikleyn(52786)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

Because it against the Algebra rules.

Honestly, one can ask million similar nonsensical questions.

It is not the way to learn Algebra.

When I see such problems in the forum, I always think: thanks to my teachers, who never assigned me such nonsensical problems/questions.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39617)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Why? Because "the two equations" say x is 12 and or x is 8. Neither is correct. Look at the given equation to solve. Two factors differing by 4 which make product of 12. This will give x is 2. Basic Multiplication Fact.
RELATED QUESTIONS
a) Is y = x^2 + 7x + 12 a quadratic equation*? Why or why not? b) Can it be solved by... (answered by Alan3354)
a) Is y = x^2 + 7x + 12 a quadratic equation*? Why or why not? b) Can it be solved by... (answered by solver91311)
a) Is y = x^2 + 7x + 12 a quadratic equation*? Why or why not? b) Can it be solved by... (answered by josgarithmetic,macston)
a) Is y = x^2 + 7x + 12 a quadratic equation? Why or why not? b) Can it be solved by... (answered by Boreal,ikleyn)
Bill and Jenna are solving the quadratic equation x^2 - x = 12. Bill solved this way (answered by jim_thompson5910)
Bill and Jenna are solving the quadratic equation x 2 - x = 12. Bill solved this way... (answered by ewatrrr,Riley12,ikleyn,Alan3354)
Explain why any line passing through (4,-1) and cannot be tangent to the circle x^2 + y^2 (answered by josmiceli,ikleyn)
Can this equation be solved for x? Yes it can be solved. Why or why not? Please... (answered by Fombitz)
I would greatly appreciate your help in solving this equation for my 12 year old son. The (answered by rfer,MathTherapy)