To solve the quadratic equation $x^2 + 2x - 3 = 0$ by factoring, follow these steps:

1. Set the equation to zero: The equation is already in the standard form $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$, where $a = 1$, $b = 2$, and $c = -3$.

2. Factor the quadratic expression: We need to find two numbers that multiply to $c = -3$ and add to $b = 2$.

   • The factors of $-3$ that add up to $2$ are $3$ and $-1$.

3. Write the equation in factored form: $x^2 + 2x - 3 = (x + 3)(x - 1) = 0$

4. Solve for $x$: Set each factor equal to zero. $x + 3 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad x - 1 = 0$

   Solving these gives: $x = -3 \quad \text{or} \quad x = 1$

So, the solutions to the equation $x^2 + 2x - 3 = 0$ are $x = -3$ and $x = 1$.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

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Here are 5 related questions:

1. How do you solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula?
2. Can every quadratic equation be factored?
3. How do you complete the square for a quadratic equation?
4. What are the different methods to solve quadratic equations?
5. How can you use the graph of a quadratic function to find its roots?

Tip: When factoring quadratic equations, always check if the equation can be factored easily before using more complex methods like the quadratic formula.