Question

Which values for a and b make the statement (a+6) (b-1)=0 true?

a= -6,b=0
a=6,b=1
a= -6.b= -1
a=0,=b=0

Answer 1

The answers A, B, and C all work for this problem. The answer D is the only one that does not.

Explanation:

When looking at two parenthesis being multiplied together and being equal to 0, we know that at least one of the parenthesis must be equal to 0 for it to be true. In A and C, the first parenthesis will be equal to 0 due to a = -6.

(a + 6)

(-6 + 6)

(0)

And in B, we can see that the second parenthesis would be equal to 0 due to b = 1

(b - 1)

(1 - 1)

(0)

Now we can try the D options, but will note that they do not work for either parenthesis.

(a + 6)(b - 1)

(0 + 6)(0 - 1)

(6)(-1)