If 2(x + 3) = 14, find x.

**The reasoning** This is all about **solving linear equations** — unwrapping the variable step by step. Start with: 2(x + 3) = 14 **Step 1:** Divide both sides by 2 to remove the coefficient: x + 3 = 14 ÷ 2 x + 3 = 7 **Step 2:** Subtract 3 from both sides to isolate x: x = 7 − 3 x = **4** You can verify: 2(4 + 3) = 2(7) = 14 ✓ **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Option D (7)**: This catches students who stop at x + 3 = 7 and forget to subtract the 3. You solved *half* the equation! - **Option C (5)**: Maybe you subtracted 2 instead of 3, or mixed up your arithmetic at the end. - **Option A (2)**: Possibly divided 14 by 7 instead of following proper steps — random calculation errors. **Quick takeaway** When solving equations, always perform **inverse operations in reverse order**: first undo multiplication/division, *then* undo addition/subtraction — like peeling layers off an onion to reach x at the center.