Answer:
x = 5, or x = -8
Explanation:
First, factor the left side of the equation
x^2 + 3x -40 = 0
(x - 5)(x + 8) = 0
Then, set both factors equal to 0
x - 5 = 0
x + 8 = 0
Use addition and subtraction for each equation to isolate x
x - 5 = 0
x = 5
x + 8 = 0
x = -8
So, by factoring this equation, we found two possible solutions
x = 5
and
x = -8