How would you solve x squared minus two x minus three equals zero?

x^(2) - 2x - 3 = 0

This is a Quadratic Equation.

There are three methods to solve.

#1 ; Factor

#2 ; Complete the Square

#3 ; Use the Quadratic Equation.

Use #1 , which is the simplest method.

We note that 'x^(2) ' has a coefficient of '1' (not Shown).

We also note that the constant is '-3' . So write down the factors of '3', which are 1, & .3.

From '1' & '3' we add/subtract to make '2' the coefficient of the middle term. Hence 1 - 3 = -2

Writing up our brackets

( x 1)(x 3) = 0

Since the sign of the constant '3' is negative (-), it means that the two signs in the brackets are different (+/-)

Since the '2' is negative, then the larger number in the brackets is the negative term.

Hence

( x + 1)(x - 3) = 0

Equating each bracket to zero.

x + 1 = 0 Hence x = -1

&

x - 3 = 0 Hence x = 3

So the two solutions for 'x' are '-1' & '3'.