Factor a^2-16

Problem

a2−16

Solution

1. Identify the expression as a difference of two squares, which follows the pattern x2−y2

2. Determine the square roots of each term. The square root of a2 is a and the square root of 16 is 4

3. Apply the formula for the difference of squares, which is x2−y2=(x−y)*(x+y)

4. Substitute a for x and 4 for y into the formula.

Final Answer

a2−16=(a−4)*(a+4)

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