The first step to factoring is to ALWAYS:
Factor completely
Factor completely
Factor completely
Factor completely.
The last step to factoring is to:
Factor completely.
*If you factor COMPLETELY you won't need exponents in your answers.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Factor completely.
Hint: Look for GCF
Factor completely.
Hint: Guess & Check