Solve for u.
5(u +8) - 7u=24
Simplify your answer as much as possible.

The answer is u = 8.

Distribute 5 into (u +8): 5u + 40

You now have the following:
5u + 40 - 7u = 24.

Next, combine like terms by adding 5u and -7u, which will give you -2u.

-2u + 40 = 24

Next, to isolate 2u, you must subtract 40 from both sides of the equation:

-2u + 40 -40 = 24 - 40

-2u = -16

Next, simplify by dividing both sides of the equation by -2 to solve for u:

-2u/-2 = -16/-2

u = 8.

The answer is, the streetlight is 18 inches tall.