Quadratic equations are polynomial equations of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).
They are solved using various methods such as factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.
In this exercise, after isolating the expression \(x^2 + 2x\) in the original equation, we arrived at \(x^2 + 2x - 3 = 0\), a typical quadratic equation.
Factoring is used as the method to find the solutions.
It involves breaking down the quadratic into simpler components, specifically its factors.
In this case, the quadratic \((x^2 + 2x - 3)\) was factored into \((x + 3)(x - 1)\).
By setting each factor to zero, we discover the values that solve the quadratic equation.
- \(x + 3 = 0\) leads to \(x = -3\)
- \(x - 1 = 0\) leads to \(x = 1\)
These short, step-by-step methods are essential for solving quadratic equations effectively.
Understanding how to manipulate them through factoring can simplify the equation-solving process significantly.