If 2x = 8, what is the value of x?

To find the value of x in the equation ( 2x = 8 ), you begin by isolating x. This can be done by dividing both sides of the equation by 2.

Starting with the original equation:

[ 2x = 8 ]

You divide each side by 2:

[ \frac{2x}{2} = \frac{8}{2} ]

This simplifies to:

[ x = 4 ]

Thus, the correct value of x is 4.

Dividing both sides by 2 is an essential algebraic step that maintains the equality of the equation. This process illustrates the principle of equivalence in algebra, where you can perform the same operation on both sides of an equation without changing its truth.

Other values provided would not satisfy the original equation when substituted back into ( 2x ). For instance, substituting 2 back gives ( 2(2) = 4 ), which does not equal 8, and similarly for the other choices. This confirms that 4 is indeed the only solution that satisfies the equation.