Factor p^2 - 24 + 144.
A. (p + 12)^2
B. (p - 2) (p + 72)
C. (p - 12)^2
D. (p - 3)(p + 48)
The given expression is a quadratic trinomial that can be factored using the perfect square trinomial formula (a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = (a - b)^2).
p^2 - 24 + 144 = (p - 12)^2
The correct answer is C. (p - 12)^2.