Example Question 1

Example corresponding to question 1 in algebra_4.

Example 1


$x^2-16$ is equivalent to

  1. $(x-4)^2$
  2. $(x-4)(x+4)$
  3. $(x-16)(x+16)$
  4. $(x+4)^2$
  5. $(x-1)(x+16)$

Solution


  1. From the 5 possible answers, we are asked to factor the given expression which could be written as the difference of two squares as follows: $x^2-16 = x^2-4^2$

  2. We now use the factoring formula for the difference of two squares (a^2 - b^2) = (a - b)(a + b) to our expression as follows:

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

    Answer B