What are the solutions to the equation (x + 5) (2x - 3) = 0? Select all that apply

Question

1. x = - 5 (negative 5)
2. x = 5
3. x = 3/2
4. x = - 3/2 (negative 3/2)

Explain/show your reasoning(s) for your choices on the question above

Answer 1

Hi Kai,

The expressions in the parentheses represent factors that are to be multiplied together to get a product of zero. If either factor is equal to zero, then the product would be 0. You will need to set each expression equal to 0 and solve for the solutions of the equation:

(x + 5) = 0

x + 5 - 5 = 0 -5

x = -5 is one of the solutions

Then:

(2x-3) = 0

2x - 3 + 3 = 0 + 3

2x/2 = 3/2

x = 3/2

Therefore the correct choices would be number 1 (x = -5) and number 3 (x = 3/2)