Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
This is a simple linear equation. To find x, we need to isolate it on one side.
We have: 4x = 24
Divide both sides by 4:
x = 24 ÷ 4 = 6
**The principle:** When solving equations, perform the inverse operation to isolate the variable. Since x is being multiplied by 4, we divide by 4 to "undo" it.
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **Option A (4):** You might confuse the coefficient with the answer itself. Don't just pick the number you see attached to x!
- **Option C (8):** This comes from subtracting instead of dividing (24 − 16 = 8). Wrong operation!
- **Option D (10):** Perhaps from faulty mental math or adding instead of dividing.
**Quick takeaway**
Whatever operation is happening to x, do the opposite to both sides — multiplication becomes division, addition becomes subtraction, and so on. Practice this "inverse thinking" and you'll never miss these again! 💪
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