I'm assuming that you are factoring this to solve it for x(?). Start out by moving the 3 to the other side: x^2 - 4x - 3 = 0. Now you have to find the number combination that will add up to -4 and multiply to get -3. The only way to do this is by using the quadratic formula or by completing the square. I would do the quadratic formula: 4+/-sqrt(16-4(1)(-3)/2. Do this math to get that x = 2+/-sqrt(7)