Article: This method works for expressions that have second-degree polynomials in the numerator and denominator. A second-degree polynomial is a polynomial with one term raised to the power of 2. For example, the expression x24x22x8{\displaystyle {
rac {x^{2}-4}{x^{2}-2x-8}}} has a second degree polynomial in the numerator and the denominator, so you can use this method to simplify it. You are looking for two binomials that, when multiplied together using the FOIL method, result in the original polynomial. For more information on how to factor a second-degree polynomial, read Factor Second Degree Polynomials (Quadratic-Equations). Rewrite your expression with the factored numerator. For example, x24{\displaystyle x^{2}-4} can be factored as (x2)(x+2){\displaystyle (x-2)(x+2)}. So, your expression now looks like this: (x2)(x+2)x22x8{\displaystyle {
rac {(x-2)(x+2)}{x^{2}-2x-8}}}. Again, you are looking for two binomials you can multiply together to get the original polynomial. Rewrite your expression with the factored denominator. For example, x22x8{\displaystyle x^{2}-2x-8} can be factored as (x+2)(x4){\displaystyle (x+2)(x-4)}. So, your expression now looks like this: (x2)(x+2)(x+2)(x4){\displaystyle {
rac {(x-2)(x+2)}{(x+2)(x-4)}}}. A binomial factor is an expression in parentheses. You can factor these out, because dividing a factor by itself equals 1. For example:(x2)(x+2)(x+2)(x4){\displaystyle {
rac {(x-2)(x+2)}{(x+2)(x-4)}}}(x2)(x+2)(x+2)(x4){\displaystyle {
rac {(x-2){\cancel {(x+2)}}}{{\cancel {(x+2)}}(x-4)}}} Remember that if you canceled out all the factors, you are left with 1. This will give you your final, simplified expression. For example:(x2)(x+2)(x+2)(x4){\displaystyle {
rac {(x-2){\cancel {(x+2)}}}{{\cancel {(x+2)}}(x-4)}}}x2x4{\displaystyle {
rac {x-2}{x-4}}}
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Evaluate your expression. Factor the numerator's polynomial into two binomials. Factor the denominator's polynomial into two binomials. Cancel out binomial factors common to the numerator and denominator. Rewrite your expression with the remaining factors.

Problem: Article: Most laptops only have one hard drive slot, so if you replace your hard drive you will lose access to all of your old data. Ensure that anything you need is properly backed up, and that you have your operating system installation discs handy to install the operating system after the new drive is installed. Turn it over and remove the battery. Make sure that the power cable is not plugged it. Ground yourself, either by wearing an antistatic wrist strap, or by touching grounded metal. The location varies from laptop to laptop, but generally it will be located behind a panel on the underside of the laptop. You may need to remove stickers to access all of the screws. Usually, you can pull a piece of ribbon to pop the hard drive out of the connectors. The method will vary depending on your laptop model. The hard drive should be easy to remove from the laptop once it has been disconnected. Some hard drives will have cages attached to them. You will need to unscrew the cage and then attach it to the new hard drive before inserting it. Place the hard drive in the bay and press it firmly into the connectors. Make sure that the hard drive is lined up correctly before applying pressure. The hard drive should plug snugly into the connectors without a significant amount of force. Secure the hard drive with any screws or clips that you removed to get the old one out. Once your hard drive is secured and the panels have been replaced, you can power up your laptop. Your new hard drive should be recognized automatically, but will not boot since there is no operating system present. Follow one of the guides below for detailed instructions on reinstalling your specific operating system: Install Windows 7. Install Windows 8. Install Windows Vista Install Linux.
Summary: Back up your data. Power down the laptop. Access the old hard drive. Remove the old hard drive. Install your new drive. Close up the laptop.

Prepare a baking pan by greasing it lightly with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or shortening. You could also line the baking pan with aluminum foil instead of greasing it with cooking spray. Use a serrated kitchen knife to cut the squash in half lengthwise. Dig out the seeds and stringy pulp. Make sure that the squash is clean before using it. The skin of an acorn squash should be scrubbed with a vegetable brush under running water to remove dirt and debris. Use a heavy metal spoon or ice cream scoop to dig out the seeds. Both halves should be cut-side-down in the pan. Do not stack the halves. They can touch, but they must not overlap. Cook the two halves until the flesh feels tender when poked with a fork or paring knife. Do not cover the squash as you cook it. Temporarily remove the squash halves from the oven and brush the cut sides with the melted butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired, and return them to oven for another 15 minutes. Note that the squash halves should now be cut-side-up inside the pan. You can enjoy this squash as is, or you can mash it or use it as a base for other recipes requiring pre-cooked acorn squash.
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One-sentence summary --
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Cut the acorn squash in half. Transfer the acorn squash to your prepared baking pan. Bake for 45 minutes. Brush the squash with butter and continue baking. Serve as desired.