Use the zero product property to find the solutions to the equation x squared minus 9 is equal to 16

Subtract 16 from both sides: x² − 25 = 0. Factor using the difference of squares: (x − 5)(x + 5) = 0. By the zero product property, x = 5 or x = −5, so the correct choice is C, x equals negative 5 or x equals 5.

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