Solving the Equation (x+8)(x-8) = 0
This equation is a quadratic equation in factored form. Here's how to solve it:
Understanding the Zero Product Property
The Zero Product Property states that if the product of two or more factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero.
Applying the Property
In the equation (x+8)(x-8) = 0, we have two factors: (x+8) and (x-8). To make the product zero, one or both of these factors must equal zero.
Solving for x
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Set each factor equal to zero:
- x + 8 = 0
- x - 8 = 0
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Solve for x in each equation:
- x = -8
- x = 8
Solutions
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x+8)(x-8) = 0 are x = -8 and x = 8.
Verification
We can verify our solutions by substituting them back into the original equation:
- For x = -8: (-8 + 8)(-8 - 8) = (0)(-16) = 0
- For x = 8: (8 + 8)(8 - 8) = (16)(0) = 0
Both solutions satisfy the equation.
Conclusion
By applying the Zero Product Property, we successfully solved the quadratic equation (x+8)(x-8) = 0 and found two distinct solutions: x = -8 and x = 8.