The Zero product Rule

[Guest]

I don't understand the zero product rule. My book stinks on explaining it too. Anybody that could help me clear this up???? Here is a sample question if you need one:

x(5x + 4) = 1

Thanks.

 

[TchrWill]

Zero Product Law: If the product AB = 0 for a pair of factors A and Z given by real or complex numbers, then at least one of the factors must be zero.

 

[dagr8est]

In common terms, if xyz=0, then at least one of the following: x=0, y=0, or z=0 must be true.

x(5x+4)=1
5x^2+4x=1
5x^2+4x-1=0
(x+1)(5x-1)=0

Solve x+1=0 and 5x-1=0.

 

[Guest]

Or "a * b = 0 if and only if a = 0 or b = 0".

 

[Guest]

thank yoy

Thanks to everybody who helped! Muchly appreciated!