Find two possible values for x?

Question

A number x is equal to its own square minus 42.

Answer 1

A number = x

It's own squre is x ²

A number  x  is equal to its own squre minus 42

algebraic expression to above statement ,

x  = x ² - 42

x ² - x - 42 = 0

x ² - 7x + 6x - 42 = 0

x ( x - 7) + 6(x -7) = 0

(x -7) (x + 6) = 0

Apply zero product property.

x - 7 = 0 and x + 6 = 0

x = 7 and x = -6

Two possible values of x  = 7 and -6.