Algebra 1 · Factoring
Zero Product Property
Algebra 1 · Factoring
Definition
The zero product property states that if a * b = 0, then a = 0 or b = 0; used to solve factored equations.
Examples
- (x - 2)(x + 5) = 0 gives x = 2 or x = -5.
- x(x - 4) = 0 gives x = 0 or x = 4.
Key rule
Set each factor equal to zero and solve.
Memory hook
If a product is zero, one of the factors must be zero.