1. **State the problem:** Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from the expression $$18m^6 - 12m^2$$. 2. **Identify the GCF:** - For the coefficients 18 and 12, the GCF is 6. - For the variables $$m^6$$ and $$m^2$$, the GCF is $$m^2$$ (the lowest power of $$m$$). 3. **Write the GCF:** $$6m^2$$. 4. **Factor out the GCF:** $$18m^6 - 12m^2 = 6m^2(\frac{18m^6}{6m^2} - \frac{12m^2}{6m^2})$$ 5. **Simplify inside the parentheses:** $$= 6m^2(3m^{6-2} - 2) = 6m^2(3m^4 - 2)$$ 6. **Check the options:** The correct factorization is $$6m^2(3m^4 - 2)$$. **Final answer:** $$6m^2(3m^4 - 2)$$