Question

Which orderd pair is a solution to this equation? -2x-y=4

Answer 1

To find the ordered pair solution, you need to find the zero(s) (which are the x-values for which y is equal to zero). This is called the Zero Product Property. Here's the math:

-2x-y=4             convert the equation into slope form

-y=2x+4            multiply both sides by -1

y=-2x-4             convert into factored form

y=-2(x+2)          now, we need to find what x equals that makes y equal zero

0=-2(x+2)          replace y with zero

0/-2=x+2           divide both sides by -2

-2=x                  x=-2 when y=0

Therefore, the zero of the equation (aka the solution) is the ordered pair (-2,0). 

Answer: (-2,0)

If you have access to a graphing calculator, you can just convert the equation to y=mx+b form and enter it as a function. The solution is wherever the graph intercepts the x-axis. Hope this helps!