Factor out the greatest common factor first
Check for a common binomial factor
Use the sum of cubes formula: a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 – ab + b^2)
Use the difference of cubes formula: a^3 – b^3 = (a – b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)
Rewrite each term as a perfect cube when possible
Group terms if the polynomial has four terms
Factor by grouping to find a common factor in pairs
Apply the quadratic formula or factoring methods to any remaining quadratic factor
Verify the factorization by multiplying the factors back together