Question

Use the zero product property to find the solutions to the equation x2 – 15x – 100 = 0.

Answer 1

x = 20 and x = -5

Explanation:

x² – 15x – 100 = 0

First, find factors that multiply to get -100 and add to -15.

These factors are -20 and 5.

So we have (x - 20)(x + 5) = 0.

Now use the zero product property to get x - 20 = 0 or x + 5 = 0.

Solving from here, we get x = 20 or x = -5.

Answer 2

x= 20 x =-5

Explanation:

x^2 – 15x – 100 = 0.

What two numbers multiply to -100 and add to -15

-20 * 5 = -100

-20 +5 = -15

(x-20) (x+5) =0

Using the zero product property

x-20 =0 x+5 = 0

x= 20 x =-5