Factor x^2-4

Problem

$x^2-4$

Solution

The given expression is $x^2-4$
This is a binomial that fits the form of a difference of squares, $a^2-b^2$

1. Identify $a$ and $b$ in the expression.
   Here, $a^2=x^2$ so $a=x$
   And $b^2=4$ so $b=2$

2. Apply the difference of squares formula, which states that $a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)$
   Substitute $a=x$ and $b=2$ into the formula:

   $x^2-4=(x-2)(x+2)$

Final Answer

The factored form of the expression is:

$(x-2)(x+2)$