1. **State the problem:** Factor the expression $x^2$. 2. **Recall the factoring rule:** The expression $x^2$ is a perfect square and can be factored as $x \times x$. 3. **Apply the rule:** $$x^2 = x \cdot x$$ 4. **Explanation:** Since $x^2$ means $x$ multiplied by itself, the factorization is simply $x$ times $x$. **Final answer:** $$x^2 = x \cdot x$$