a) (x + 5)2 - (x - 3)2 = 2x - 7
(x + 5 - x + 3)(x + 5 + x - 3) = 2x - 7
8(2x + 2)= 2x - 7
16x + 16 = 2x - 7
16x - 2x = - 7 - 16
14x = - 23
x = - 23/14
b) (2x - 3)(4x2 + 6x + 9) = 98
(2x)3 - 33 = 98
8x3 - 27 = 98
8x3 = 125
x3 = 125/8
x3 = (5/2)3
x = 5/2