Step 1. Divide both sides by 2
2x + 1 = 26/2
Step 2. Simplify 26/2 to 13
2x + 1 =13
Step 3. Subtract 1 from both sides
2x = 13 - 1
Step 4. Simplify 13 - 1 to 12
2x = 12
Step 5. Divide both sides by 2
x = 12/2
Step 6. Simplify 12/2 to 6
x = 6