1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $x^2 = 16$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve equations of the form $x^2 = a$, where $a$ is a positive number, we use the square root property: $x = \pm \sqrt{a}$. 3. **Apply the formula:** Here, $a = 16$, so $$x = \pm \sqrt{16}$$ 4. **Calculate the square root:** Since $\sqrt{16} = 4$, we have $$x = \pm 4$$ 5. **Interpret the solution:** This means $x$ can be either $4$ or $-4$ because both satisfy the original equation. **Final answer:** $x = 4$ or $x = -4$