The expression $16x^2 - 1$ can be factored as a difference of squares. The difference of squares formula is:

$a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)$

Here, we can identify $16x^2$ as $(4x)^2$ and $1$ as $1^2$. Applying the formula:

$16x^2 - 1 = (4x)^2 - 1^2 = (4x - 1)(4x + 1)$

So, the factored form of $16x^2 - 1$ is:

$(4x - 1)(4x + 1)$

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions you might find helpful:

1. How do you factor a trinomial?
2. What is the difference of cubes formula?
3. How can you check if a quadratic expression is factorable?
4. What is the significance of the discriminant in factoring?
5. How do you solve quadratic equations by factoring?

Tip: Always look for common factors before applying special factoring formulas like the difference of squares.