1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $8a^3 - 6a^2$. 2. **Identify common factors:** Both terms have a common factor involving $a^2$ and a numerical factor. 3. **Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF):** $$8a^3 - 6a^2 = \cancel{2} \times 4 a^3 - \cancel{2} \times 3 a^2 = 2a^2(4a - 3)$$ 4. **Explanation:** We factored out $2a^2$ because it is the highest power of $a$ and the largest number that divides both coefficients. 5. **Final answer:** $$2a^2(4a - 3)$$