− 3 x − 7 = 5 x − 31

To solve the equation \(-3x - 7 = 5x - 31\), follow these steps:

1. Isolate the variable (x). Start by getting all terms involving \(x\) on one side of the equation and constant terms on the other side.

   \[ -3x - 5x = -31 + 7 \]

2. Combine like terms:

   \[ -8x = -24 \]

3. Solve for \(x\) by dividing both sides by \(-8\):

   \[ x = \frac{-24}{-8} = 3 \]

So, the solution to the equation is:

\[ \boxed{3} \]