The Bare X

In x(x + 2) = 0, the factors are x and x + 2. Set each factor equal to zero: x = 0 or x + 2 = 0. The solutions are 0 and -2.

Substitute x = 0 into the original equation. You get 0 × (0 + 2) = 0, so 0 is a solution. Include this case as well as x = -2.

The single letter x in front of the parentheses is a factor too. Include it when you split the equation. It gives the solution x = 0. The other factor gives the second solution. Check each answer by substituting it into the original equation.