Question

Determine whether the polynomial is a difference of squares and if it is, factor it.

y2 – 16

Answer 1

(y - 4)(y + 4)

Explanation:

y² - 16 ← is a difference of squares

Since y² and 16 are both squares separated by a difference , that is minus

A difference of squares factors as

y² - 16

= y² - 4²

= (y - 4)(y + 4)