Answer:
we conclude that the first step is to find the greatest common factor (GCF).
Hence, option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
[tex]16x^2\:-36[/tex]
As 4 is the greatest common factor of the expression, so factor out common term 4:
i.e.
[tex]16x^2\:-36=4\left(4x^2-9\right)[/tex]
Thus, the first step is to find the greatest common factor (GCF)
Now, solving the remaining portion
[tex]16x^2\:-36=4\left(4x^2-9\right)[/tex]
as (2x+3) and (2x-3) are the factors of (4x²-9)
i.e. (4x²-9) = (2x+3) (2x-3)
Thus, the expression becomes
[tex]16x^2\:-36=4\left(2x+3\right)\left(2x-3\right)[/tex]
Therefore, we conclude that the first step is to find the greatest common factor (GCF).
Hence, option C is correct.