Can you extend the zero product property to non zero products of numbers? For example, if ab=8, is it always true that a=8 or b=8? Explain

That is not always true because think of it as ab=8 that is just like saying (8) (8) = 8 which is absolutely false. If anything it can be either a or be equals 8 while the other variable is 1. (1) (8) = 8 or (8) (1) = 8