To solve the equation \( x^2 = 36 \) by inspection, we look for numbers whose square equals 36.
The two numbers that satisfy this condition are:
- \( x = 6 \) (since \( 6^2 = 36 \))
- \( x = -6 \) (since \( (-6)^2 = 36 \))
Thus, the two real solutions are \( -6 \) and \( 6 \). The lesser number is:
\(-6\)
So, the solutions are \( -6 \) and \( 6 \). The final answer should be written as:
\(-6, 6\)