Question

Factoring csc^2x - 1 ? I have it to (csc x + 1)(csc x -1) but I don't know what to do now.

Answer 1

what are you trying to do?

Answer 2

just factor?

Answer 3

It says I must convert it to one single trig function.

Answer 4

consider the most fundamental trig identity: sin^2 + cos^2 = 1

Answer 5

since csc = 1/sin ....

divide it all by sin^2

Answer 6

But how can I make the +1 / -1 disappear?

Answer 7

sin^2 + cos^2 = 1

sin^2/sin^2 + cos^2/sin^2 = 1/sin^2

1 + cot^2 = csc^2

cot^2 = csc^2 - 1

Answer 8

if you go the factoring route .... csc = sqrt(1+cot) i spose

Answer 9

Thank you very much. I understand it very well now.

Answer 10

good