Find the value of the lesser root of x2 - 8x + 7 = 0

A) - 1

B) 1

C) 3

D) 5

The correct answer is B) 1.

We can factor this first. We want factors of 7 that sum to - 8; - 7 (-1) = 7 and - 7+-1 = - 8:

(x-1) (x-7) = 0

Using the zero product property, we know that either x-1=0 or x-7=0. This gives us x=1 or x=7.