Question: $$x ^ { 2 } - 1 6$$

Solution

The expression \(x^2 - 16\) is a difference of squares, which can be factored using the formula: \[ a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b) \] In this case, \(a = x\) and \(b = 4\), since \(4^2 = 16\). Substitute \(a\) and \(b\) into the formula: \[ x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4) \] So, the factored form of \(x^2 - 16\) is \((x - 4)(x + 4)\).