Question

Applying the Zero Product Property to \[ (x - 5)(x + 1) = 0 \], what are the values of \( x \)?

Options

• \( x = -5 \) or \( x = 1 \)

• \( x = -5 \) or \( x = -1 \)

• \( x = 5 \) or \( x = -1 \)

• \( x = 5 \) or \( x = 1 \)

Answer 1

From \[ (x - 5)(x + 1) = 0 \] we get \[ x - 5 = 0 \;\text{ or }\; x + 1 = 0 \]. Solving these linear equations gives \[ x = 5 \;\text{ or }\; x = -1 \].