We  can approximate that    2.0 –   x   ≈   2.0 since   acetic  acid    is  a   weak    acid,   and only    slightly    dissociates in
water.  This    simplifies  the calculation of  x:
The fact    that    x   is  so  much    less    than    the initial concentration   of  acetic  acid    (2.0    M)  validates   the
approximation;  otherwise,  it  would   have    been    necessary   to  solve   for x   using   the quadratic   formula.