1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $x^2 + 2x$ or factor it if possible. 2. **Recall the factoring formula:** For expressions like $ax^2 + bx$, you can factor out the greatest common factor (GCF). 3. **Identify the GCF:** Both terms $x^2$ and $2x$ have a common factor of $x$. 4. **Factor out the GCF:** $$x^2 + 2x = x(x + 2)$$ 5. **Explain:** Factoring means writing the expression as a product of simpler expressions. Here, $x$ is factored out, leaving $(x + 2)$. 6. **Final answer:** $$x(x + 2)$$