Question

Which values for x and y make the statement (x + 4)(y - 1) = 0 true?

x = -4, y = 1

x = -4, y = -1

x = 4, y = 1

x = 4, y = -1

Answer 1

When we are solving an equation set equal to 0, we are technically solving for x or any other variable. In this case it is x and y.
X + 4 = 0
X + 4 - 4 = 0 - 4
X= -4

Y - 1 = 0
Y -1 + 1 = 0 + 1
Y = 1

Answer 2

(x + 4)(y - 1) = 0

x + 4 = 0
x = -4 <===

y - 1 = 0
y = 1 <===