The given equation is
- 26 = 2(u - 7) - 8u
The first step is to expand the parentheses on the right side of the equation by multiplying the terms inside by the term outside. We have
- 26 = 2u - 14 - 8u
The next step is to collect like terms. The terms containing u will be on one side of the equation while the constant terms would be on the other side.
By adding 14 to both sides of the equation, we have
- 26 + 14 = 2u - 14 + 14 - 8u
- 12 = 2u - 8u
- 12 = - 6u
- 6u = - 12
Dividing both sides of the equation by - 6, we have
- 6u/- 6 = - 12/- 6
u = 2