To solve an equation of the form \( a x = b \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are constants, you need to isolate the variable \( x \). Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Start with the given equation:
[tex]\[
a x = b
\][/tex]
2. To isolate \( x \), you need to get rid of the coefficient \( a \) that is multiplying \( x \). To do this, you divide both sides of the equation by \( a \).
3. Divide both sides by \( a \):
[tex]\[
\frac{a x}{a} = \frac{b}{a}
\][/tex]
4. Simplifying the left side, \( \frac{a x}{a} \) becomes \( x \), because \( a / a = 1 \):
[tex]\[
x = \frac{b}{a}
\][/tex]
Therefore, to isolate \( x \), you need to divide by the coefficient \( a \). Thus, the correct answer is:
B. coefficient
