Determine the square roots of each term in the binomial. For example, although not apparent at first, the binomial x^2 - 9 is the difference of two perfect squares because it equals x^2 - 3^2.
Set up two binomial factors whose second terms are blank and opposites. The first terms would equal the square root of the first term in the original equation, x^2, which is x. For example, (x^2 - 3^2) = (x - )(x + ).
Substitute the blank term with the square root of the second term in the original binomial. In conclusion, x^2 - 3^2 = (x - 3)(x + 3).
Check your work. This step is performed by simply multiplying the two binomials together and ensuring that they lead to the original difference of squares.