1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $5(u + 4) - 7u = 26$ for $u$. 2. **Apply the distributive property:** Multiply 5 by each term inside the parentheses. $$5(u + 4) = 5u + 20$$ So the equation becomes: $$5u + 20 - 7u = 26$$ 3. **Combine like terms:** Combine $5u$ and $-7u$. $$5u - 7u = \cancel{5u} - \cancel{7u} = -2u$$ So the equation is now: $$-2u + 20 = 26$$ 4. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 20 from both sides. $$-2u + 20 - 20 = 26 - 20$$ $$-2u = 6$$ 5. **Solve for $u$:** Divide both sides by $-2$. $$\frac{-2u}{\cancel{-2}} = \frac{6}{\cancel{-2}}$$ $$u = -3$$ **Final answer:** $$u = -3$$