1. The problem is to factor the expression $x^2$. 2. Notice that $x^2$ is a perfect square, which can be written as $x \times x$. 3. Therefore, the factored form of $x^2$ is simply $x \cdot x$ or $x^2$ itself. 4. Since $x^2$ is already in its simplest factored form, no further factorization is possible. Final answer: $x^2 = x \cdot x$