1. The problem is to understand how to factor algebraic expressions. 2. Factoring means rewriting an expression as a product of simpler expressions. 3. The most common methods include factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF), factoring trinomials, difference of squares, and factoring by grouping. 4. For example, to factor $x^2 - 9$, recognize it as a difference of squares: $a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)$. 5. So, $x^2 - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3)$. 6. Another example: factor $2x^2 + 4x$ by taking out the GCF, which is $2x$. 7. This gives $2x(x + 2)$. 8. Always look for the GCF first, then apply other factoring techniques as needed. 9. Practice with different types of expressions to become comfortable with factoring.