Factor out the greatest common factor for all terms.
Multiply "a" and "c".
Ask yourself, what two numbers equal the product of "a x c", AND add up to "b". ****be careful with your signs****
Write the leading coefficient, "a", with "x" in front of each of the two factors from step 3. This gives you two pairs of numbers. Make sure to use correct signs.
If possible, reduce each set of numbers as if they were fractions. (find the greatest common factor)
Test your answer with FOIL.
Box Method of Factoring
Factoring With No "c" Term
Break apart both terms and take out all like terms.
Factoring With No "b" Term
Factor using either the British Method or the Box Method.
Find factors of "a x c" that add up to your "b" term of zero.