SAT Question df747160: Equivalent Expressions answer and explanation with Desmos solution

Choice D is correct. Expressions in the form $a^2-b^2$ follow the difference of two squares pattern and can be factored as $(a-b)(a+b)$. In the given expression, $17(x^2-100y^2)$, the expression $x^2-100y^2$ follows the difference of two squares pattern. It follows that the expression $x^2-100y^2$ can be rewritten as $(x-10y)(x+10y)$. Therefore, the expression $17(x-10y)(x+10y)$ is equivalent to $17(x^2-100y^2)$.