I need step by step directions on how to solve examples like this one.

2x^-13x-7=0

Thanks in advance for the help

The tern 2x^ need to be explained. It needs an exponent.

If you meant to write
2x^2 -13x +7 = 0, factor it as follows:
(2x+1)(x-7) = 0

That should tell you that x = -1/2 or +7