Step 1: Write oxidation states of known elements.
Potassium (K) has oxidation state +1.
Oxygen (O) has oxidation state –2. Step 2: Let oxidation state of carbon be \(x\).
\[
2(+1) + 2x + 4(-2) = 0
\] Step 3: Solve the equation.
\[
2 + 2x - 8 = 0
\Rightarrow 2x = 6
\Rightarrow x = +3
\] Step 4: Conclusion.
The oxidation number of carbon is +3.