How can i solve for this would it best to factor or use the quadratic formula.

solve: x^2+2x-8=0

How about for this problem as well:

solve : x^2+7x-1 = 0

in the first, can you think of two multipliers of -8 that have a sum of 2??
how about 4 and -2
so it factors!

in the second, are there any factors of -1 that have a sum of 7????
not very likely, so use the formula