1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $x + 7 - 2x = 18$ for $x$. 2. **Combine like terms:** The terms involving $x$ are $x$ and $-2x$. $$x - 2x + 7 = 18$$ 3. **Simplify the left side:** $$\cancel{x} - 2\cancel{x} + 7 = 18$$ $$-x + 7 = 18$$ 4. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 7 from both sides. $$-x + 7 - 7 = 18 - 7$$ $$-x = 11$$ 5. **Solve for $x$:** Multiply both sides by $-1$ to get $x$ positive. $$\cancel{-1} \times (-x) = \cancel{-1} \times 11$$ $$x = -11$$ **Final answer:** $x = -11$