Question

What is the fully factored form of the expression 16x^2 - 49y^2

Answer 1

(4x + 7y)(4x - 7y)

Explanation:

Rewrite 16 as 4^2

= 4^2x^2 - 49y^2

Rewrite 49 as 7^2

= 4^2x^2 - 7^2y^2

Apply the Exponent Rule Pt 1 ((a^m*b^m =(ab)^m))

= (4x)^2 - 7^2y^2

Apply the Exponent Rule Pt 2

= (4x)^2 - (7y)^2

Apply Difference of Squares Formula (( x^2-y^2 = (x + y)(x - y)

= (4x + 7y) (4x - 7y)