Answer: x = 7 or x = -2
Step-by-step explanation:
x² - 5x - 14 = 0
↓ Split the middle term into 2 terms
x² - 7x + 2x - 14 = 0
↓ Factor the first 2 terms and the last 2 terms separately
x(x - 7) + 2(x - 7) = 0
↓ Factor that out
(x - 7)(x + 2) = 0
↓ You apply the Zero Product Property
x - 7 = 0 or x + 2 = 0
↓ Rearrange the variables to the left side of the equation
x = 7
or ------------------------------------------
x + 2 = 0
↓ Rearrange the variables to the left side of the equation
x = -2