OMG IT ALL MAKES SENSE!
If I was in an exam though, how would i know that i had to factorise the equation
(I'm super dumb so I really need all the help I can get)
Given that ultimately we had to make \(x\) the subject, it makes sense to isolate \(x\) first. But in that example, we'd have to isolate \(x^2\) as if we factor out just \(x\), we'd only end up factoring it out again.
So we pull out the \(x^2\), and then we pull the 2 out just because it's a common factor.
You need to be capable at spotting common factors, as they're the biggest hint to factorise in a rearranging question.
It's also important to look at what you're trying to aim for. If you didn't realise you had to make \(x\) the subject, you wouldn't be able to spot anything.