One of the foundational topics in first-year algebra concerns the concept of factoring. This article discusses an alternative strategy for factoring quadratics of the form ax[superscript 2] + bx + c, known as "factoring for roots." This strategy enables students to extend the knowledge they used when the leading coefficient was 1 and explain the steps they are taking in solving. The technique of factoring for roots ties procedural fluency and conceptual understanding together in such a way that students find the factoring for roots method useful and enlightening. Many other current strategies fail in both these endeavors.