Question

Find the solution(s) for x in the equation below. (x + 4)(x - 12) = 0

Answer 1

-4 or 12

Explanation:

(x + 4)(x - 12) = 0

so

x + 4 = 0 OR x - 12 = 0

x + 4 = 0 leads x = -4

x - 12 = 0 leads x = 12

Answer 2

x = -4 or x = 12

Explanation:

(x + 4)(x - 12) = 0 means:

(x + 4) = 0 or (x - 12) = 0

x + 4 = 0

Subtract 4 from both sides:

⇒ x + 4 - 4 = 0 - 4

⇒ x = -4

x - 12 = 0

add 12 to both sides:

⇒ x - 12 + 12 = 0 + 12

⇒ x = 12

Therefore the solutions are x = -4 or x = 12