Step 1: We need two numbers whose product is +6 and whose sum is −5. Step 2: The numbers −2 and −3 work, because (−2) × (−3) = 6 and (−2) + (−3) = −5. Step 3: Split the middle term: x² − 2x − 3x + 6 = x(x − 2) − 3(x − 2) = (x − 2)(x − 3). Step 4: Check by expansion: (x − 2)(x − 3) = x² − 3x − 2x + 6 = x² − 5x + 6 ✓. Answer: (x − 3).