Start by remembering that the square root symbol gives the non-negative root. The equation says that √(x + 5) is 7. To remove the square root, square both sides: x + 5 = 7² = 49. Now isolate x by moving the constant to the other side, so x = 49 - 5 = 44. Always check radical equations: substituting x = 44 makes the expression inside the root equal to 49, and √49 = 7. So the correct answer is 44.