Let the present age of Meena be x years

Meena’s age three years ago = (x – 3) years

Meena’s age five years hence = (x + 5) years

According to given question

x² + 2x – 15 = 6x + 6

x² – 4x – 21 = 0

Using the splitting middle term – the middle term of the general equation is divided in two such values that:

Product = a.c

For the given equation a = 1 b = – 4 c = – 21

= 1. – 21 = – 21

And either of their sum or difference = b

= – 4

Thus the two terms are – 7 and 3

Sum = – 7 + 3 = – 4

Product = – 7.3 = – 21

x² – 7x + 3x – 21 = 0

x (x – 7) + 3(x – 7) = 0

(x – 7) (x + 3) = 0

x = – 3 or x = 7

x = 7 age cannot be negative

Hence the present age of Meena is 7 years