We are asked to factor the expression $x^2 - 49$ using the difference of two squares formula.

1. Problem Description

We are asked to factor the expression $x^2 - 49$ using the difference of two squares formula.

2. Solution Steps

The difference of two squares formula is given by:

$a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)$

In the given expression, $x^2 - 49$, we can rewrite it as $x^2 - 7^2$.

Here, $a = x$ and $b = 7$. Applying the difference of two squares formula:

$x^2 - 7^2 = (x - 7)(x + 7)$

3. Final Answer

$(x-7)(x+7)$