1. **State the problem:** Factor the expression $x^2$. 2. **Recall the factoring rules:** The expression $x^2$ is a perfect square of $x$, which means it can be written as $x \times x$. 3. **Factor the expression:** Since $x^2 = x \times x$, the factored form is simply $x \cdot x$ or $x(x)$. 4. **Explanation:** The expression $x^2$ represents $x$ multiplied by itself. Factoring it means expressing it as a product of its factors, which are both $x$ in this case. **Final answer:** $$x^2 = x \cdot x = x(x)$$