Identify the greatest common factor, if any
Factor out the greatest common factor
Check whether the binomial is a difference of squares
Use the formula a^2 – b^2 = (a – b)(a + b)
Check whether the binomial is a sum or difference of cubes
Use the formulas a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 – ab + b^2)
Use the formulas a^3 – b^3 = (a – b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)
Verify by multiplying the factors back together