Question

factor.
$x^2 - 16$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the form

The expression \(x^2 - 16\) is a difference of squares, which has the form \(a^2 - b^2\). Here, \(a = x\) and \(b = 4\) (since \(4^2=16\)).

Step2: Apply the difference of squares formula

The formula for factoring a difference of squares is \(a^2 - b^2=(a + b)(a - b)\). Substituting \(a = x\) and \(b = 4\) into the formula, we get \((x + 4)(x - 4)\).

Answer:

\((x + 4)(x - 4)\)