You didn't solve the equation properly. Go over what stapel posted carefully until it's clear. Notice you got a sign wrong in front of the 26. A negative times a negative is *positive*. It's -13 times -2 = 26, not 13 times -2 or whatever. Very very important to make sure you get those right.

From:

16 - 13y + 26 = 3

Move -13y to other side of equal sign:
16 + 26 = 3 + 13y

Move the 3 from the right to the left side and combine the numbers on the left side:
16 + 26 - 3 = 13y
39 = 13y

Which gives:
y = 39/13
y = 3

Anyways, go through stapel's math very carefully. You've got to get fractions and such things down well or the rest of math will be very difficult for you. Build a good foundation and it'll be much easier. And mind those negative signs.

As always: practice, practice, practice. It'll seem easy in no time, don't worry. Good luck!