Which first step most directly leads to the solution of the equation below?
x^2 – 16 = 65

A. Add 16 to both sides of the equation.

B. Add -x^2 to both sides of the equation.

C. Rewrite the left-hand side as (x - 4)(x+4)

D. Rewrite the left-hand side as (x - 4)^2​