Factor x^2-16

Problem

$x^2-16$

Solution

1. Identify the expression as a difference of two squares, which follows the form $a^2-b^2$

2. Determine the values of $a$ and $b$ by taking the square root of each term.

3. Calculate $a=\sqrt{x^2}=x$

4. Calculate $b=\sqrt{16}=4$

5. Apply the formula for the difference of squares: $a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)$

6. Substitute the values of $a$ and $b$ into the formula.

Final Answer

$x^2-16=(x-4)(x+4)$

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