Find the greatest common factor (GCF)
Factor out the GCF if it exists
Look for special factoring patterns
Use difference of squares when it matches: (a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b))
Use perfect square trinomials when it matches: (a^2+2ab+b^2=(a+b)^2) and (a^2-2ab+b^2=(a-b)^2)
Use the trinomial method when it matches: (ax^2+bx+c)
Find two numbers that multiply to (ac) and add to (b)
Split the middle term using those two numbers
Factor by grouping
Use the (ac) method for quadratics when needed
Check if the quadratic factors into two binomials
Verify by multiplying the factors back to get the original expression
Simplify the factored form completely