26. -(6a + 8) = 2(-3a - 4)

Explanation:

Step1: Expand both sides

• Expand the left - hand side: $-(6a + 8)=-6a-8$.
• Expand the right - hand side: $2(-3a - 4)=-6a-8$.

Step2: Analyze the equation

Since the left - hand side $-6a - 8$ is equal to the right - hand side $-6a - 8$ for all real values of $a$. This is an identity.

Answer:

The equation is an identity, and $a$ can be any real number.