Question

select the correct answer.
factor the polynomial below.
25x² - 144

a. (5x - 12)²
b. (12 + 5x)(12 - 5x)
c. (5x + 12)(5x - 12)
d. (12 - 5x)²

Explanation:

Step1: Recognize difference - of - squares

The expression $25x^{2}-144$ is in the form $a^{2}-b^{2}$, where $a = 5x$ ($a^{2}=25x^{2}$) and $b = 12$ ($b^{2}=144$).

Step2: Apply difference - of - squares formula

The formula for factoring $a^{2}-b^{2}$ is $(a + b)(a - b)$. Substituting $a = 5x$ and $b = 12$, we get $(5x+12)(5x - 12)$.

Answer:

C. $(5x + 12)(5x - 12)$