If x^2+2x=3, then x could equal? x2 + 2x = 3 Get 0 on the right by subtracting 3 from both sides x2 + 2x - 3 = 0 Factor the left side (x+3)(x-1) = 0 One of those factors (x+3) and (x-1) must be = 0 in order for the right side to be 0. Setting x+3 = 0 gives x = -3 Setting x-1 = 0 gives x = 1 So x can be either -3 or 1 Edwin AnlytcPhil@aol.com