Solving the Equation (x-8)(x+5) = 0
This equation is a quadratic equation in factored form. The key to solving it lies in understanding the Zero Product Property.
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 Zero Product Property
In our equation, we have two factors: (x-8) and (x+5). To make the product equal to zero, either one or both of these factors must be equal to zero.
Therefore, we have two possible solutions:
-
x - 8 = 0 Solving for x, we get x = 8
-
x + 5 = 0 Solving for x, we get x = -5
Conclusion
The solutions to the equation (x-8)(x+5) = 0 are x = 8 and x = -5.
This means that if we substitute either 8 or -5 for x in the original equation, the equation will hold true.