How can you factor?

1. x^4 - 4x^2 + 3
2. x^3 - 2x^2 - 4x + 8

Thanks

1. set a = x^2
this should simplify your problem
once you've factored the expression, substitute x^2 back in for a

2. For our purposes I don't think this expression can be factored.

To factor the expressions provided:

1. x^4 - 4x^2 + 3:

Start by setting a = x^2. This will help simplify the problem.
The expression becomes:
a^2 - 4a + 3
Now, factor the quadratic expression a^2 - 4a + 3:
(a - 3)(a - 1)

Finally, substitute x^2 back in for a:
(x^2 - 3)(x^2 - 1)

So, the factored form of the expression x^4 - 4x^2 + 3 is (x^2 - 3)(x^2 - 1).

2. x^3 - 2x^2 - 4x + 8:

This expression does not seem to have any obvious common factors or a simplified form. It appears to be in its simplest form already.
So, the factored form of the expression x^3 - 2x^2 - 4x + 8 is x^3 - 2x^2 - 4x + 8.