Factor out the greatest common factor first
Check for difference of squares: a² – b² = (a – b)(a + b)
Check for sum of cubes: a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² – ab + b²)
Check for difference of cubes: a³ – b³ = (a – b)(a² + ab + b²)
If the binomial has a common term, factor by grouping if possible
Rewrite the expression in a form that matches a factoring pattern
Verify by multiplying the factors back together
If no pattern applies, the binomial may be prime and cannot be factored further