Question 78854
Solve (x-1)(x+3)=5.

The best way to do this is to set the equation to 0.  So subtract 5 from both sides to give

(x-1)(x+3)-5=0

Now multiple out (x-1)(x+3) to give

(x^2+3x-x-3)-5=0  =>  x^2+2x-8=0.

Now factor the left hand side:

x^2+2x-8=(x+4)(x-2)=0 => x=-4,2

Your solution is x=-4 or x=2  QED