Question

Use factoring to find the zeros. x2 - 9x – 36 = 0

Answer 1

Answer: x=12, x=-3

Step-by-step explanation: For this factored problem, you see that -36 is negative, as well at -9. This shows you that you need to find two numbers that multiply to get -36, and add up to get -9. Two numbers that both satisfy these requirements are -12 and 3. They multiply to get -36, and add to get -9.

Once you have found your values, you plug them into (x+/- __)(x+/- __), which is (x-12)(x+3).

But since the problem asks you to find the zeroes, you set each factor equal to zero, like this:

x-12=0 and x+3=0

Then solve and you have you answer!