Question

Simplify and write the trigonometric expression in terms of sine and cosine:
tan^2x-sec^2x?

Answer 1

well it can be written as

\[\frac{\sin^2(x)}{\cos^2(x)} - \frac{1}{\cos^2(x)} = \frac{\sin^2(x) - 1}{\cos^2(x)}\]
not sure how much simplifying is needed, but this is a good start.

Answer 2

It wants the equation in a number form from what it looks like.

Answer 3

ok
\[\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1 ~~~ then \cos^2(x) = 1 - \sin^2(x)~~~~ or~~~~-\cos^2(x) = \sin^2(x) - 1\]

make the substitution into the equation n the previous post.

This should allow you to get a number answer

Answer 4

oops

\[-\cos^2(x) = \sin^2(x) - 1\]

Answer 5

So how should I continue the equation after the left side has been eliminated? The sin^2(x) should be canceled because it is in the numerator correct?

Answer 6

if you make the substitution you get

-cos^2(x)/cos^2(x) = -1

Answer 7

Ohhh I see substitute it into the end