Question

Which of the following is the solution set of x² + 8x + 12 = 0?

A. {2, 6}
B. {-2, -6}
C. {}

Answer 1

B. (-2, -6)

Explanation:

The constant term is the product of the values in the solution set. (Both A and B give 2·6 = 12.)

The coefficient of the x term (8) is the opposite of the sum of the values in the solution set. That is, the solutions add up to -8.

... A: 2+6 = 8 ≠ -8 . . . . not the solution set

... B: -2 +(-6) = -8 . . . . these values are the solution set.

The solution set is (-2, -6).