3x squared - 16x - 7=5

3x^2 - 16x - 7 = 5. This is a quadratic equation. Cross the 5 to the other side.

3x^2 - 16x - 7 - 5 = 0

3x^2 - 16x - 12 = 0. Let us use factorization method.

Multiply the first coefficient and last term = 3 * - 12 = - 36.

We think of two numbers that multiply to give - 36 and add up to give the middle coefficient - 16.

The two numbers are = 2 and - 18.

2 * - 18 = - 36.

2 + (-18) = - 16.

We replace the middle term - 16 with 2 + (-18) = 2 - 18.

3x^2 - 16x - 12 = 0

3x^2 + 2x - 18x - 12 = 0 Factorize.

x (3x + 2) - 6 (3x + 2) = 0

(3x + 2) (x - 6) = 0.

Therefore (3x + 2) = 0 or (x - 6) = 0

(3x + 2) = 0 x - 6 = 0

3x = 0 - 2 x = 0 + 6

3x = - 2 x = 6

x = - 2/3

3x = - 2

x = - 2/3

Therefore x = - 2/3 or 6.