$$
\begin{aligned}
x^3 + 2x^2 - 36x - 72 &= 0 \\
x^2(x + 2) - 36(x + 2) &= 0 \\
(x^2 - 36)(x + 2) &= 0 \\
(x - 6)(x + 6)(x + 2) &= 0
\end{aligned}
$$
Корни уравнения:
$$
\begin{aligned}
x_1 &= 6 \\
x_2 &= -6 \\
x_3 &= -2
\end{aligned}
$$
Ответ: $$\mathbf{x_1 = 6, x_2 = -6, x_3 = -2}$$