Simplifying $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$: 1

In summary, when simplifying $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$ in terms of sine and cosine, we get a final answer of $-1$. This can be derived using the trigonometric identities $\sin^2x+\cos^2x=1$ and $1+\cot^2x=\csc^2x$.
  • #1
karush
Gold Member
MHB
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Write
$\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$
In terms of sine and cosine and simplify
So then
$\dfrac{\cos ^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)}
-\dfrac{1}{\sin^2(x)}
=\dfrac{\cos^2(x)-1}{\sin^2(x)}
=\dfrac{\sin^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)}=1$
Really this shrank to 1

Ok did these on cell so...
 
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  • #2
karush said:
Write
$\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$
In terms of sine and cosine and simplify
So then
$\dfrac{\cos ^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)}
-\dfrac{1}{\sin^2(x)}
=\dfrac{\cos^2(x)-1}{\sin^2(x)}
=\dfrac{\sin^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)}=1$
Really this shrank to 1

Ok did these on cell so...
There is a minus sign missing (can you see where?).
 
  • #3
\(\displaystyle \sin^2x+\cos^2x=1\)

\(\displaystyle 1+\cot^2x=\csc^2x\)

\(\displaystyle \cot^2x-\csc^2x=-1\)
 
  • #4
Opalg said:
There is a minus sign missing (can you see where?).

ok i think the negative follows thru now
$\dfrac{\cos ^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)}
-\dfrac{1}{\sin^2(x)}
=-\dfrac{\cos^2(x)-1}{\sin^2(x)}
=-\dfrac{\sin^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)}=-1$
 

FAQ: Simplifying $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$: 1

What is the simplified form of $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$?

The simplified form is equal to $-1$.

How do you simplify $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$?

To simplify, we can use the trigonometric identity $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)=-1$.

Why is $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$ equal to $-1$?

This is due to the relationship between cotangent and cosecant, where $\cot(x)=\frac{1}{\tan(x)}$ and $\csc(x)=\frac{1}{\sin(x)}$. Substituting these into the identity, we get $\frac{1}{\tan^2(x)}-\frac{1}{\sin^2(x)}=\frac{\sin^2(x)-\tan^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)\tan^2(x)}$. By using the Pythagorean identity $\sin^2(x)+\cos^2(x)=1$, we can simplify the numerator to $-1$, resulting in the simplified form of $-1$.

Can $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$ be simplified further?

No, the simplified form of $\cot^2(x)-\csc^2(x)$ is $-1$, which cannot be simplified any further.

What is the importance of simplifying trigonometric expressions?

Simplifying trigonometric expressions allows us to easily solve equations and perform calculations involving trigonometric functions. It also helps in identifying patterns and relationships between different trigonometric identities.

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