Factor out the greatest common factor first
Check for a common binomial or grouping pattern
For trinomials in the form ax^2 + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b
Rewrite the middle term using those two numbers
Group the four terms into two pairs
Factor out the GCF from each pair
Factor out the common binomial
For trinomials in the form x^2 + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b
Write the trinomial as two binomials
For perfect square trinomials, use the pattern a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a + b)^2
For difference of squares disguised as three terms, factor into conjugates if possible
Check your factorization by multiplying the factors back together