could someone help me understand this?

Question

Solve the following equation for the indicated variable:
(y-3)(y-4)=0

 

The solutions to this equation are: _____ and ______

 

Hint: This equation is already in factored form, so use the Zero-Factor Property to set each of the factors equal to 0.

 

i'm so confused what do i do?

Answer 1

Hello Jared,

 

If you have 0*4 your answer would be 0.  What about 512*0? The answer is still 0.  The Zero-Product or Zero-Factor Property states that if one product or factor is equal to zero the entire equation is equal to 0.

 

Therefore set (y-3)= 0 and solve and set (y-4)=0 and solve.  You will get two different answers.

 

y-3=0

  +3  +3

y=3

 

y-4=0
+4 +4
y=4

Your answers are y=3 and y=4

 

 

Answer 2

Hi Jared, the answer is simpler than you might think.  From the equation you set up, you can see that if you can make either of the (   ) groups add up or subtract to 0, then any quantity times 0 equals 0.  So, from here, you need to find WHICH numbers you can plug in to make the equation equal 0. In this particular question, your options are positive 3, and positive 4. Do you see how it makes the equation true?