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Zero Product Property
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
The Zero Product Property states that if the product of two factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero. In other words, if:
a • b = 0
then either:
a = 0 or b = 0
This property is often used when solving quadratic equations that are factored into two binomials.
Example:
If you have the equation:
(x - 4)(x + 3) = 0
By applying the Zero Product Property, you can set each factor equal to zero:
x - 4 = 0 or x + 3 = 0
Solving these gives the solutions:
x = 4 or x = -3
Thus, the Zero Product Property helps you find the values of x that make the equation true.
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