To solve the equation \( x^2 - 15 = 2x \), first, let's rearrange it into a standard quadratic form:
Move all terms to one side of the equation: \[ x^2 - 2x - 15 = 0 \]
Now, we can factor the quadratic equation. We need two numbers that multiply to \(-15\) and add to \(-2\). The numbers \(-5\) and \(3\) fit this requirement. Therefore, we can factor the equation as: \[ (x - 5)(x + 3) = 0 \]
Set each factor equal to zero to solve for \(x\): \[ x - 5 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 5 \] \[ x + 3 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = -3 \]
So, the solutions to the equation \( x^2 - 15 = 2x \) are: \[ x = 5 \quad \text{and} \quad x = -3 \]