1. **State the problem:** Factor the quadratic expression $$p^2 + 12p + 20$$. 2. **Recall the factoring formula:** For a quadratic expression $$ax^2 + bx + c$$, we look for two numbers that multiply to $$ac$$ and add to $$b$$. 3. **Identify coefficients:** Here, $$a = 1$$, $$b = 12$$, and $$c = 20$$. 4. **Find two numbers:** We need two numbers that multiply to $$1 \times 20 = 20$$ and add to $$12$$. These numbers are $$10$$ and $$2$$. 5. **Rewrite the middle term:** $$p^2 + 10p + 2p + 20$$. 6. **Group terms:** $$(p^2 + 10p) + (2p + 20)$$. 7. **Factor each group:** $$p(p + 10) + 2(p + 10)$$. 8. **Factor out the common binomial:** $$(p + 10)(p + 2)$$. **Final answer:** $$p^2 + 12p + 20 = (p + 10)(p + 2)$$.