Question

Use trigonometric identities to simplify the trigonometric expression

(cscx+cotx)(cscx-cotx)

Answer 1

Well first, we recall that
\[\large (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2\]

Analogous to this, what would be your first step in simplifying?

Answer 2

umm would I start by dividing

Answer 3

No :)
Just recall this:
\[\large (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2\]
The product of the sum and difference of two numbers is the difference of their squares...

It's like your a = csc(x) and b = cot(x)

Now, do the first step in simplifying...

Answer 4

canceling out right?

Answer 5

What cancels out?

Answer 6

(a-b)

Answer 7

maybe?

Answer 8

use the hint @terenzreignz provided "a = csc(x) and b = cot(x)"