1. **State the problem:** Solve the quadratic equation $x^2 + 5 - 6 = 0$. 2. **Simplify the equation:** Combine like terms: $$x^2 + 5 - 6 = x^2 - 1 = 0$$ 3. **Rewrite the equation:** $$x^2 - 1 = 0$$ 4. **Use the difference of squares formula:** $$a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)$$ Here, $a = x$ and $b = 1$. 5. **Factor the equation:** $$(x - 1)(x + 1) = 0$$ 6. **Set each factor equal to zero and solve for $x$:** - $x - 1 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 1$ - $x + 1 = 0 \Rightarrow x = -1$ 7. **Final answer:** $$x = 1 \text{ or } x = -1$$