\[x^{2} - 5x - 1 = 7;\ \ x^{2} - 5x = 8;\]
\[3x^{2} - 15x - 3 =\]
\[= 3 \cdot \left( x^{2} - 5x \right) - 3 = 3 \cdot 8 - 3 =\]
\[= 24 - 3 = 21.\]