SOLUTION: I can not seem to solve the following Trigonometric Identity: {{{cot^2(x)-cos^2(x)=cos^2(x)cot^2(x)}}} I realize the left side is a difference of squares, but I'm not sure if

Question 164768: I can not seem to solve the following Trigonometric Identity:

I realize the left side is a difference of squares, but I'm not sure if that really is useful in solving (I came up with . On the right side I multiplied it out and came up with . Can you tell me what I've done wrong? Very appreciated. Thanks, Laura
Answer by scott8148(6628) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
you're OK so far

multiplying by sin^2 __ cos^2-cos^2*sin^2=cos^4

substituting sin^2=1-cos^2 __ cos^2-cos^2(1-cos^2)=cos^4

cos^2-cos^2+cos^4=cos^4 __ cos^4=cos^4
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