1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$-y^2 + (-12) - 7y - (-5)y^2 + 3y - 16$$. 2. **Rewrite the expression clearly:** $$-y^2 - 12 - 7y + 5y^2 + 3y - 16$$ 3. **Group like terms:** - Combine the $y^2$ terms: $$-y^2 + 5y^2$$ - Combine the $y$ terms: $$-7y + 3y$$ - Combine the constants: $$-12 - 16$$ 4. **Simplify each group:** - For $y^2$ terms: $$-y^2 + 5y^2 = \cancel{-1}y^2 + 5y^2 = 4y^2$$ - For $y$ terms: $$-7y + 3y = \cancel{-7}y + 3y = -4y$$ - For constants: $$-12 - 16 = -28$$ 5. **Write the simplified expression:** $$4y^2 - 4y - 28$$ **Final answer:** $$4y^2 - 4y - 28$$