開ける and 開く: distinguishing あける, あく, and ひらく
Even with the same character 開, the verb and reading vary according to whether a door or container opens, a book is spread open, or a gathering is held. Learn representative combinations while checking the meaning where contexts overlap.
開ける（あける）: open a door or container
開ける is common when a person opens a closed object such as a door, window, or container. 暑いので窓を開けました。 marks the window being opened with を.
届いた箱を開けて、中身を確認しました。 uses the same verb for exposing the inside of a box or envelope. 開ける is read あける; do not confuse it with the two readings of 開く.
開く（あく）: a door or shop opens
When 開く is read あく, it can describe a door or entrance opening. 朝九時になると自動ドアが開きます。 marks the door that opens with が.
この店は十時に開いています。 says that the shop is open for business at ten, and 開いて is read あいて in this context. The sentence does not by itself give the exact time when business begins.
開く（ひらく）: spread something open or hold an event
Use 開く read ひらく for something spread open, such as a book or map. 教科書の三十ページを開いてください。 asks someone to open the textbook to page thirty.
The same reading is used for holding an event or meeting. 来月、地域の交流会を開きます。 marks the gathering with を. 店が開く（あく） describes a shop becoming open for business, while 店を開く（ひらく） presents the action of opening or establishing a shop, so check both context and particles even with the same noun. ドアが開く can use either あく or ひらく in context, so the noun and particle alone do not always determine a single reading.
Quick check: How is 開く read in 会議を開く, and what does it mean?
Show the answer and why
It is read ひらく and means to hold or convene a meeting. Do not choose a reading from the written form alone; check the accompanying noun and context.