How do you solve x(x^2 + 16) = 0?

2 Answers
Apr 27, 2018

x = 0

Explanation:

In multiplication, the only way to have 0 as a product is to multiply a number(s) by at least one 0. Using this property of multiplication, we know that at least one of the terms is equal to 0:

x = 0 | x^2 + 16 = 0

To solve for the second term, first subtract 16 from both sides of the equation, giving us:

x^2 = -16

However, there is no real number that can be squared to equal a number lower than 0, so there is no real solution for the second term.

Apr 27, 2018

Shown below

Explanation:

We know if ab=0

Then a= 0 or b = 0

color(red)(=> x = 0

=> x^2 + 16 = 0

=> x^2 = -16

color(blue)(=> x = pm 4i

If x in RR -> x = { 0 }

if x in CC -> x = { 0 , 4i , -4i }