Which expression is equivalent to (z+4)(z−4)?(1 point)

The expression \((z + 4)(z - 4)\) is a difference of squares, which can be simplified using the formula \(a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)\).

Here, \(a = z\) and \(b = 4\). Therefore:

\[
(z + 4)(z - 4) = z^2 - 4^2 = z^2 - 16
\]

Now, let's evaluate the responses given:

1. **z² + 4z - 4z - 16**: This simplifies to \(z^2 - 16\) (the middle terms cancel out).

2. **2z² - z² - 8**: This simplifies to \(z^2 - 8\), which is not equivalent to the original expression.

3. **z² - 8z - 16**: This is not equivalent to the original expression.

4. **z(z) + 4z(z) - 4(4)**: This simplifies to \(z^2 + 4z^2 - 16 = 5z^2 - 16\), which is not equivalent to the original expression.

The correct response that is equivalent to \((z + 4)(z - 4)\) is:

**z² + 4z - 4z - 16** (simplifies to \(z^2 - 16\)).