Solving the Equation (x-4)(x-9) = 0
This equation is a quadratic equation in factored form. To find the solutions (also known as roots or zeros) of this equation, we can use the Zero Product Property:
Zero Product Property: If the product of two or more factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero.
Applying this to our equation, we have:
(x - 4) = 0 or (x - 9) = 0
Now we solve each equation individually:
-
x - 4 = 0
Adding 4 to both sides:
x = 4 -
x - 9 = 0
Adding 9 to both sides: x = 9
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x-4)(x-9) = 0 are x = 4 and x = 9.
In other words, the values x = 4 and x = 9 make the equation true.
Explanation
The equation (x-4)(x-9) = 0 represents a parabola that intersects the x-axis at the points x = 4 and x = 9. These points are the roots of the equation, where the value of the equation is zero.
Key takeaways:
- Factoring a quadratic equation is a powerful tool to find its solutions.
- The Zero Product Property is crucial for solving equations in factored form.
- The solutions of a quadratic equation represent the points where the graph of the equation intersects the x-axis.