If 4x − 8 = 0, then x =

**The reasoning** This is a simple linear equation. Your goal: isolate x on one side. Starting with: 4x − 8 = 0 **Step 1:** Add 8 to both sides to move the constant across: 4x − 8 + 8 = 0 + 8 4x = 8 **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 4 to get x alone: x = 8/4 = **2** This principle is called **solving by inverse operations** — you "undo" what's being done to x. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Option A (1):** You might subtract 4 from 8 instead of dividing. That's mixing up operations. - **Option C (4):** You see the coefficient 4 and think it's the answer. Nope — that's what we *divide by*, not the solution. - **Option D (8):** You stopped at 4x = 8 and forgot the final division step. **Quick takeaway** Whatever is *done* to x, do the *opposite* to free it: subtraction undoes addition, division undoes multiplication — always work backwards to isolate your variable!