Write the quadratic in standard form: ax^2 + bx + c
Find two numbers whose product is ac and whose sum is b
Split the middle term using those two numbers
Factor by grouping
Take out the common factor from each group
Factor out the common binomial
Check by multiplying the factors back together
If a = 1, find two numbers whose product is c and whose sum is b
If a ≠1, use the ac method or trial and error
If no integer factors exist, use the quadratic formula or complete the square