The problem asks us to factor the expression $16x^2 - 36$ by first finding the greatest common factor (GCF).

1. Problem Description

The problem asks us to factor the expression $16x^2 - 36$ by first finding the greatest common factor (GCF).

2. Solution Steps

First, we find the GCF of the coefficients 16 and

3

6. The factors of 16 are 1, 2, 4, 8, and

1

6. The factors of 36 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and

3

6. The greatest common factor of 16 and 36 is

4. Since the second term, 36, does not have an $x$, the GCF is just

4. Now, we factor out the GCF, 4, from the expression:

$16x^2 - 36 = 4(4x^2 - 9)$

3. Final Answer

$4(4x^2 - 9)$