SOLUTION: how do i factor a quadratic equation and apply the zero product rule to find the solution set?

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: how do i factor a quadratic equation and apply the zero product rule to find the solution set?      Log On


   

Question 165538: how do i factor a quadratic equation and apply the zero product rule to find the solution set?
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Here's an example.
x%5E2%2B3x%2B2=0
You can factor the quadratic equation.
%28x%2B2%29%28x%2B1%29=0
Zero product rule says either the first factor or the second factor could equal zero so solve for both.
.
.
.
First factor:
x%2B2=0
x=-2
Second factor:
x%2B1=0
x=-1
.
.
.
The solution set (zeros) for the equation are x=-1,-2.
You can check the answers by plugging into the equation or you could graph the equation to verify.
x%5E2%2B3x%2B2=0
%28-2%29%5E2%2B3%28-2%29%2B2=0
4-6%2B2=0
0=0
.
.
.
+graph%28+300%2C+300%2C+-3%2C+1%2C+-3%2C1%2C++x%5E2%2B3x%2B2%29+