I don't understand how to factor this question:
(x+y)^2 -64
The final answer is (x + y + 8) (x + y - 8).
I just don't understand how to get to that answer.
Recall: a^2-b^2 = (a+b)(a-b).
In your case: a^2 = (x+y)^2. b^2 = 64.
Factored: ((x+y)+8)((x+y)-8).