Solving the Equation (x+8)(x-4)(x-7) = 0
This equation involves a product of three factors that equals zero. The key principle to solving this type of equation is the Zero Product Property:
If the product of two or more factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero.
Let's apply this to our equation:
(x + 8)(x - 4)(x - 7) = 0
For this product to equal zero, at least one of the following must be true:
- x + 8 = 0
- x - 4 = 0
- x - 7 = 0
Now, we solve each of these simple equations:
- x + 8 = 0 => x = -8
- x - 4 = 0 => x = 4
- x - 7 = 0 => x = 7
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x + 8)(x - 4)(x - 7) = 0 are:
x = -8, x = 4, and x = 7