To solve the equation \( x^2 = 36 \) by inspection, we need to find the numbers \( x \) such that when squared, they equal 36.
The square roots of 36 are:
\[ x = 6 \quad \text{and} \quad x = -6 \]
Thus, the two real solutions are \( -6 \) and \( 6 \).
Entering the lesser number first, the solutions are:
\[ -6, 6 \]