X² + xy - 2x - 2y The first thing would be to break the polynomial up into pairs. (x² + xy) + (-2x -2y) Then you can factor them individually. (x² + xy) Both numbers have x in common, so you can factor it out and get x(x + y) Then you factor the other pair, (-2x -2y) Both numbers have -2 in them, so you can factor it out and get -2(x + y) Now your two pairs are [x (x + y)] and [-2 (x + y)] Notice that the two terms in parentheses are the same, so you can get rid of one and combine the two outside terms to get a final answer of (x - 2)(x + y)
