Question: What is the factored form of the polynomial x^2 - 4?

Options:

1. (x - 2)(x + 2)
2. (x - 4)(x + 4)
3. (x + 4)(x + 2)
4. (x - 1)(x + 1)

Correct Answer: (x - 2)(x + 2)

Solution:

This is a difference of squares: x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2).