Question

factor.
y^2 - 16

Explanation:

Step1: Recognize difference - of - squares

The expression $y^{2}-16$ is in the form $a^{2}-b^{2}$, where $a = y$ and $b = 4$.

Step2: Apply difference - of - squares formula

The formula for $a^{2}-b^{2}$ is $(a + b)(a - b)$. Substituting $a=y$ and $b = 4$, we get $(y + 4)(y - 4)$.

Answer:

$(y + 4)(y - 4)$