1. **State the problem:** Solve for $y$ in the equation $$-2y - 14 = 2(y - 1)$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Expand the right side: $$-2y - 14 = 2y - 2$$ 3. **Collect like terms:** Add $2y$ to both sides to get all $y$ terms on one side: $$-2y - 14 + 2y = 2y - 2 + 2y$$ This simplifies to: $$\cancel{-2y} - 14 + \cancel{2y} = 2y + 2y - 2$$ $$-14 = 4y - 2$$ 4. **Isolate the $y$ term:** Add $2$ to both sides: $$-14 + 2 = 4y - 2 + 2$$ $$-12 = 4y$$ 5. **Solve for $y$:** Divide both sides by $4$: $$\frac{-12}{\cancel{4}} = \frac{4y}{\cancel{4}}$$ $$-3 = y$$ **Final answer:** $$y = -3$$