If 4y = 20, what is y?

To solve the equation ( 4y = 20 ), you need to isolate ( y ) by dividing both sides of the equation by 4. This is a basic principle of algebra where you maintain the equality of both sides by performing the same operation.

Starting with the equation:

[

4y = 20

]

Divide both sides by 4:

[

y = \frac{20}{4}

]

Now, when you perform the division, you find:

[

y = 5

]

Thus, the solution indicates that ( y ) equals 5. This means that if you multiply 5 back by 4, you will indeed get 20, affirming that the solution is valid.

Therefore, the correct answer is 5, which aligns with the calculation. Using this method to solve for ( y ) showcases the importance of basic operations in algebra, allowing for correct and efficient problem-solving.