steps

1. Pull out greatest common factor or GCF [This is a very important step that is often skipped] Ex: or 2. Look at number of terms a. 2 Terms: If there are two terms (binomial), then check to see if it is i. A difference of squares: Ex: ii. A difference of cubes Ex: iii. A sum of cubes Ex: If there are two terms and the expression is none of the above, it is prime! b. 3 Terms: If there are three terms (trinomial), then factor into two binomials thinking of the FOIL method in reverse. Find factors of c that add up to b. Start by identifying the factors of c. The sign before c determines whether signs are the same or different in the 2 binomials that are produced, .