How do you solve #x(x+3)(x-4)=0#?

Question

4657 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License

Answer 1 · 2016-12-12T17:58:45

See explanation.

In such examples you can use the following property of real numbers (expressions):

A product of expressions is zero if and only if any of these expressions is zero.

If you use the property in this example you get:

#x(x+3)(x-4)=0 iff x=0 vv x+3=0 vv x-4=0#

In this way one equation of 3rd degree is changed to 3 linear equations:

After solving them you get the final answer:

#x=0 vv x=-3 vv x=4#