Question 115568
Probably the easiest way to solve this equation is by factoring. Since both terms on the left
side contain an x, you can factor out an x to give:
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x*(x - 14) = 0
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This equation will be true if either of the factors on the left side are zero because a
multiplication by zero on the left side will make the left side equal the zero on the right side.
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So we can get the two answers by setting each of the factors equal to zero.
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For the first factor equal to zero we have:
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x = 0 and that is one answer.
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For the second factor equal to zero we have:
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x - 14 = 0
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And if we add 14 to both sides we get:
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x = 14 and that is the second answer.
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Check ... go to the original equation x^2 - 14x = 0 and substitute 0 for x. The result is:
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0 - 0 = 0
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and that is a correct equation, so the answer x = 0 checks.
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Return to the original equation x^2 - 14x = 0 and substitute 14 for x. When you do you get:
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14^2 - 14*14 = 0 
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and since 14^2 = 14*14 the equation becomes:
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14*14 - 14*14 = 0
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This also is a correct equation so the answer x = 14 checks.
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Hope this helps you to understand the problem.
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