When solving multi-step equation you should start by getting rid of parentheses and combining like terms.
17x - 9(x + 4) = 3x - 26
With this equation you can distribute the 9 from each side.
17x - 9x + 36 = 3x - 26
Then you can simplify the equation by combining like terms.
8x + 36 = 3x - 26
After that you can use your properties of equality to combine 8x & 3x. -3x = -3x
5x + 36 = -26
You can then combine 36 and -26, using the Subtraction Property of Equality. (-36 = -36)
5x = -62
After that you try and isolate the variable. You can do this by dividing both sides by 5 which isolates the variable. *1/5 = *1/5
x = -12.4
So the final answer would be x = -12.4