1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $3a - 7 = 26$ for $a$. 2. **Add 7 to both sides:** $$3a - 7 + 7 = 26 + 7$$ $$3a = 33$$ 3. **Divide both sides by 3:** $$\frac{\cancel{3}a}{\cancel{3}} = \frac{33}{3}$$ $$a = 11$$ 4. **Final answer:** $$a = 11$$ This means the value of $a$ that satisfies the equation is 11.