Question

How do you factor the expression `x^2- 16`?

Answer 1

(x - 4 )(x + 4 )

Explanation:

this expression is a difference of 2 squares thus called since `x^2` is a perfect square and 16 is a perfect square and they are separated by a - ( difference )

to factor this we require the√ `x^2` `= x` and √16 = 4

so # x^2 - 16 = (x - 4 )(x + 4 )