How do I use the zero factor property when solving a quadratic equation?
1 Answer
You use the zero factor property after you have factored the quadratic to find the solutions.
It is best to look at an example:
This factors into:
#(x+3)(x-2)=0#
We find our solutions by setting each factor to zero and solve:
#x+3=0#
#x=-3#
or
#x-2=0#
#x=2#
Previous answer (I was thinking some more complicated before):
You are not using the words precisely. You use the factor theorem with the factor property. The factor theorem states that if you find a
Having said all that, you wouldn't normally use the factor theorem or factor property to solve a quadratic; they are many used to find factors of higher order polynomials. Once you reduce the higher order polynomial to a quadratic, you use regular factoring methods such as FPS or PFS: Factors, Product, and Sum.
#P(x)=ax^2+bx+c#
The problem with the factor theorem and factor property is that it's not as easy to use when