1. The problem asks to find the expression equivalent to $36x^2 - 169$. 2. Recognize that $36x^2 - 169$ is a difference of squares because $36x^2 = (6x)^2$ and $169 = 13^2$. 3. The difference of squares formula is $$a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)$$ where $a = 6x$ and $b = 13$. 4. Applying the formula: $$36x^2 - 169 = (6x - 13)(6x + 13)$$. 5. Therefore, the expression equivalent to $36x^2 - 169$ is option A: $(6x - 13)(6x + 13)$.