How do I factor using the zero factor property?

Question

23473 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License

Answer 1 · 2016-01-09T22:49:06

The zero factor property states that if #ab=0#, then either #a=0# or #b=0#.

Example: find the roots of #x^2-x-6#.

#x^2-x-6=0#

#(x-3)(x+2)=0#

Now, the zero factor property can be applied, since two thing are being multiplied and equal zero.

We know that either

#x-3=0color(white)(ssss)# or #color(white)(ssss)x+2=0#

Solve both to find that #x=3# or #x=-2#.