To find the answer to this question you divide 26 by 2. You do this because the x and the 2 are next to each other meaning they are being multiplied. Also if two numbers are like this- 2(x) this also means they are being multiplied. But if the 2 is a tiny number on the top right side of x that means you do (x multiplied by x). Just make sure it's x(2) and not x^2. You will get two different answers.
If it's x(2)= 26 the answer is 13. (26 ÷ 2= 13)
But if the question is x^2= 26 you will get something different.
Hope I helped!