1. Problem: Find the derivative of the function $y = x^2 - 16x - 2^4$. 2. Formula: The derivative of $x^n$ is $nx^{n-1}$, and the derivative of a constant is 0. 3. Step-by-step: - Derivative of $x^2$ is $2x$. - Derivative of $-16x$ is $-16$. - $2^4 = 16$ is a constant, so its derivative is 0. 4. Combine results: $$\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x - 16 + 0 = 2x - 16$$ 5. Explanation: We apply the power rule to each term and constants vanish. Final answer: $$\boxed{2x - 16}$$