Question: What is the factored form of the polynomial x^2 - 16?

Options:

1. (x - 4)(x + 4)
2. (x - 8)(x + 2)
3. (x - 2)(x + 2)
4. (x - 4)(x - 4)

Correct Answer: (x - 4)(x + 4)

Solution:

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