Solve x^2-13=(x-3)(x+1)

$$x ^ { 2 } - 13 = ( x - 3 ) ( x + 1 )$$

Solve for x

$$x=5$$

Steps for Solving Linear Equation

Use the distributive property to multiply x-3 by x+1 and combine like terms.

$$x^{2}-13=x^{2}-2x-3$$

Subtract x^{2} from both sides.

$$x^{2}-13-x^{2}=-2x-3$$

Combine x^{2} and -x^{2} to get 0.

$$-13=-2x-3$$

Swap sides so that all variable terms are on the left hand side.

$$-2x-3=-13$$

Add 3 to both sides.

$$-2x=-13+3$$

Add -13 and 3 to get -10.

$$-2x=-10$$

Divide both sides by -2.

$$x=\frac{-10}{-2}$$

Divide -10 by -2 to get 5.

$$x=5$$