Math Snap

STEP 1

1. The equation $f^2 = 16$ is a quadratic equation.
2. We are looking for real number solutions for $f$.

STEP 2

1. Take the square root of both sides.
2. Consider both the positive and negative roots.
3. State the two possible values for $f$.

STEP 3

To solve for $f$, take the square root of both sides of the equation:
$$f^2 = 16$$ Taking the square root gives:
$$f = \pm \sqrt{16}$$

STEP 4

Calculate the square root of 16. Since the square root of 16 is 4, consider both the positive and negative roots:
$$f = \pm 4$$ This means:
$$f = 4 \quad \text{or} \quad f = -4$$

State the two possible values for $f$:
The two values that $f$ can have are:
$$\boxed{4} \quad \text{and} \quad \boxed{-4}$$