tan^2x-1/1-tanx I need to get it down to one function with no fractions. I got to (sin^2x/cosx)-cosx but I don't know where to go from there or if that is right.

Question

tan^2x-1/1-tanx   I need to get it down to one function with no fractions. I got to (sin^2x/cosx)-cosx but I don't know where to go from there or if that is right.

anonymous · Answer

Use difference of squares.

anonymous · Answer

$$
a^2-b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)
$$

anonymous · Answer

could you show me because I don't see how that would work in this problem

anonymous · Answer

$$
a=\tan(x),b=1
$$

anonymous · Answer

$$
\tan^2(x)-1 = (\tan(x)-1)(\tan(x)+1)
$$

anonymous · Answer

$$
1-\tan(x) = -(\tan(x)-1)
$$

anonymous · Answer

idk if this will help but 1+tan x=cosx

anonymous · Answer

....

anonymous · Answer

$$
\frac{\tan^2x-1}{1-\tan x} = \frac{(\tan x-1)(\tan x+1)}{-(\tan x-1)}
$$

anonymous · Answer

I've tried to get help with this problem before but I put part of the question wrong. I think the other guy was on the right track but was wrong cause I squared something that shouldn't have been squared

anonymous · Answer

ooooo that should work