If 2x + 6 = 20, then x =

**The reasoning** This is a **linear equation** — we need to isolate x by doing the same thing to both sides. Starting with: 2x + 6 = 20 **Step 1:** Subtract 6 from both sides to remove it from the left 2x + 6 − 6 = 20 − 6 2x = 14 **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 2 to get x alone 2x ÷ 2 = 14 ÷ 2 **x = 7** **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Option A (5):** You might subtract 6 then forget to divide, or make an arithmetic slip with 20 − 6. - **Option C (8):** Classic error — subtracting 6 from 20 gives 14, and you might accidentally think "14 − 6 = 8" or confuse your steps. - **Option D (14):** You stopped halfway! You found 2x = 14 but forgot the final division step. **Quick takeaway** Always **undo operations in reverse order**: remove addition/subtraction first, *then* handle multiplication/division — and check your answer by plugging it back in (2 × 7 + 6 = 20 ✓).