Use the zero product property to find the possible solutions to the equation x2 – 9 = 16.

  x = -5 or +5

Step-by-step explanation:

Subtract 16 and factor.

  x^2 -9 = 16 . . . . . given

  x^2 -25 = 0 . . . . subtract 16; the difference of squares

  (x -5)(x +5) = 0 . . . . the factored form

The zero product property says possible solutions are found where the factors are zero.

For (x -5) = 0

  x -5 = 0

  x = 5 . . . . . add 5

For (x +5) = 0

  x +5 = 0

  x = -5 . . . . . subtract 5

Possible solutions are x=-5 or x=5.