Solving Quadratic Equations

What should you do first in solving this equation?
x² + 6x - 13 = 3

Solve by factoring: x² = 7x + 18

Solve for m by factoring.

What is this formula?

Solve Using the Quadratic Formula
 x² + 4x - 40 = -8

Solve the following for x by using the Quadratic Formula: 2x²+6x=7

Solve by the Extraction of Roots method: x² = 16

Solve by the Extraction of Roots method: -5x² = -50

Solve by the Extraction of Roots method: (x - 2) ² = 49

What is the first step to solving THIS equation by completing the square?
a² + 10a + 21 = 0