To solve the equation x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0, we can use the quadratic formula which is:
x = (-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a
where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0.
In this case, a = 1, b = -2, and c = -3. Substituting these values into the formula, we get:
x = (-(-2) ± sqrt((-2)^2 - 4(1)(-3))) / 2(1)
Simplifying this expression, we get:
x = (2 ± sqrt(16)) / 2
x = (2 ± 4) / 2
So, x can be either (2 + 4)/2 = 3 or (2 - 4)/2 = -1. Therefore, the answer is:
x = 3 or -1.