Quadratic formula question?

Question

how to solve this:(x^2-a^2=3(x+a)

Answer 1

you could use the quadratic formula but it is easier to rewrite the problem as x² - a² - 3 ( x+a) = 0----> (x-a)(x+a) - 3(x+a) = (x+a) [ x-a-3] = 0----> x = -a & x = a + 3

Answer 2

x^2-a^2=3(x+a)  Recognize difference of squares

(x+a)(x-a) = 3(x+a)  Factor out (x+a)

(x-a) = 3