y² + 7y – 144

Now, first we have to find out the numbers whose-

Sum = 7 and

Product = - 144

The numbers are 16 and - 9,

So,

y² + 7y – 144

= y² + 16y – 9y – 144

= y(y + 16) – 9(y + 16)

= (y + 16)(y – 9)