Factor y^2-16

Problem

y2−16

Solution

1. Identify the expression as a difference of two squares, which follows the pattern a2−b2

2. Rewrite the terms as squares to find the values of a and b

y2=(y)2

16=(4)2

3. Apply the formula for the difference of squares, which is a2−b2=(a−b)*(a+b)

4. Substitute a=y and b=4 into the formula.

(y−4)*(y+4)

Final Answer

y2−16=(y−4)*(y+4)

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