Question

which of these is the statement of the zero product rule? a. if a·b = 0, then either a = 0 or b = 0, but not both. b. if a·b = 0, then a = 0 and b = 0. c. if a·b = 0, then a = 0. d. if a·b = 0, then either a = 0 or b = 0, or both.

Explanation:

The zero - product rule states that if the product of two numbers \(a\) and \(b\) is zero (\(a\cdot b = 0\)), then at least one of the numbers must be zero. That means either \(a = 0\) or \(b=0\), and it's also possible that both \(a = 0\) and \(b = 0\).

Answer:

D. If \(a\cdot b = 0\), then either \(a = 0\) or \(b = 0\), or both.