SOLUTION: Solve the quadratic equation by factoring and applying the property "ab=0 if and only if a=0 or b=0" (x^2)-4x-21=0

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Solve the quadratic equation by factoring and applying the property "ab=0 if and only if a=0 or b=0" (x^2)-4x-21=0      Log On


   



Question 38203: Solve the quadratic equation by factoring and applying the property "ab=0 if and only if a=0 or b=0"
(x^2)-4x-21=0

Answer by fractalier(6550) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First we factor the trinomial
x^2 - 4x - 21 = 0
into its binomial factors:
(x - 7)(x + 3) = 0
Now if two quantities multiply together to make zero, one (or both) has to be zero...
Thus x - 7 = 0 and x + 3 = 0 which leads to
x = 7 or x = -3