1. The problem states that Darren has a piece of wood measuring 7 inches by 8 inches, which forms a large rectangle. 2. To divide this large rectangle into two smaller rectangles, we can cut it either horizontally or vertically. 3. If we cut vertically, we choose a position along the 8-inch side, say at $x$ inches, where $0 < x < 8$. 4. This creates two smaller rectangles: one of size $7 \times x$ and the other of size $7 \times (8 - x)$. 5. If we cut horizontally, we choose a position along the 7-inch side, say at $y$ inches, where $0 < y < 7$. 6. This creates two smaller rectangles: one of size $y \times 8$ and the other of size $(7 - y) \times 8$. 7. Both methods ensure the total area remains $7 \times 8 = 56$ square inches, just split into two parts. 8. For example, cutting vertically at 3 inches gives rectangles $7 \times 3$ and $7 \times 5$. 9. Cutting horizontally at 4 inches gives rectangles $4 \times 8$ and $3 \times 8$. 10. This approach helps Darren divide the wood into two smaller rectangles as needed.