Solve the equation

(x+8) (x+9) = 0

If (x + 8) (x + 9) = 0, that means that either x + 8 = 0 or x + 9 = 0.

Solving each equation for x, we find that x = - 8 or x = - 9.

Write your answer as the set of numbers {-8, - 9}.

A common mistake in this problem is for students to see

that (x + 8) (x + 9) = 0 and to say that the answer therefore is 8 or 9.

Note however that the sign of each

number switches in your final answer.

x = - 8 x=-9

Step-by-step explanation:

(x+8) (x+9) = 0

We can use the zero product property

x+8 = 0 x+9=0

x = - 8 x=-9