p = [tex]\frac{26}{17}[/tex]
distribute the parenthesis on both sides of the equation.
6p - 8 = - 8p - 3p + 18
6p - 8 = - 11p + 18 ( add 11p to both sides )
17p - 8 = 18 ( add 8 to both sides )
17p = 26 ( divide both sides by 17 )
p = [tex]\frac{26}{17}[/tex]