1. **State the problem:** Simplify or analyze the expression $x^2 - 14$. 2. **Formula and rules:** This is a quadratic expression in the form $ax^2 + bx + c$ where $a=1$, $b=0$, and $c=-14$. 3. **Intermediate work:** Since $b=0$, the expression cannot be factored easily over the integers. It can be rewritten as $x^2 - 14$. 4. **Explanation:** This expression represents a parabola opening upwards with vertex at $(0,-14)$. 5. **Additional info:** The roots can be found by solving $x^2 - 14 = 0$ which gives $x = \pm \sqrt{14}$. **Final answer:** The expression is $x^2 - 14$ with roots $x = \pm \sqrt{14}$ and vertex at $(0,-14)$.