1. We are asked to simplify the expression $$196n^2 - 144$$. 2. Observe that both terms are perfect squares multiplied by constants: $$196n^2 = (14n)^2$$ and $$144 = 12^2$$. 3. Thus, the expression is a difference of squares: $$a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)$$ where $$a = 14n$$ and $$b = 12$$. 4. Apply the difference of squares formula: $$196n^2 - 144 = (14n - 12)(14n + 12)$$. 5. Further factor out the common factor 2 from each binomial: $$(14n - 12) = 2(7n - 6)$$ and $$(14n + 12) = 2(7n + 6)$$. 6. Therefore: $$(14n - 12)(14n + 12) = 2(7n - 6) \times 2(7n + 6) = 4(7n - 6)(7n + 6)$$. Final answer: $$196n^2 - 144 = 4(7n - 6)(7n + 6)$$. This shows a full factorization of the original expression by recognizing it as a difference of squares and factoring out common terms.