Question

Factor this polynomial expression. x2 – 16

Answer 1

(×-4) (x + 4)

Explanation:

first of all, recognize that the polynomial expression is a difference of two squares.

thus

X^2-16

(x -4)(x+4)

Answer 2

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Answer:

• (x+4)(x-4), by using the difference of squares rule

Explanation:

`\large\begin{gathered} \sf{To \ factor \ this \ polynomial, \ we \ must \ first \ recognise \ it. \ Isn't \ it \ the \ difference} \\ \sf{of \ two \ squares?} \\ \rm{It \ is! } \\ \sf{Polynomials \ like \ (a^2-b^2) are \ factored \ like \ this\!\!:} \\ \sf{(a+b)(a-b).} \\ \sf{Similarly, \ (x^2-16) \ is \ factored \ as \ (x+4)(x-4). \end{gathered}`

Done!!

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