To solve the equation \( x^2 = 81 \) by inspection, we look for values of \( x \) that, when squared, equal \( 81 \).
The values we find are:
- \( x = 9 \) because \( 9^2 = 81 \)
- \( x = -9 \) because \( (-9)^2 = 81 \)
Both \( 9 \) and \( -9 \) satisfy the equation.
Thus, the complete solution set is:
\[ { -9, 9 } \]
So, the correct response is \( { -9, 9 } \).