Question

factor.
$u^2 - 16$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the form

The expression \( u^2 - 16 \) is a difference of squares, which has the form \( a^2 - b^2 \). Here, \( a = u \) and \( b = 4 \) since \( 16 = 4^2 \).

Step2: Apply difference of squares formula

The formula for factoring a difference of squares is \( a^2 - b^2=(a + b)(a - b) \). Substituting \( a = u \) and \( b = 4 \), we get \( u^2 - 4^2=(u + 4)(u - 4) \).

Answer:

\((u + 4)(u - 4)\)