To solve the equation, we need to isolate the variable x. Here is the step-by-step solution:
First, we simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms. 26x - 6 = 8x - 42
Subtract 8x from both sides 26x - 8x - 6 = 8x - 8x - 42 18x - 6 = -42
Add 6 to both sides 18x - 6 + 6 = -42 + 6 18x = -36
Divide by 18 to solve for x \( \frac{18x}{18} = \frac{-36}{18} \) x = -2
Therefore, the solution to the equation is x = -2.
