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

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> 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      Log On


   

Question 164768: I can not seem to solve the following Trigonometric Identity:
cot%5E2%28x%29-cos%5E2%28x%29=cos%5E2%28x%29cot%5E2%28x%29
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 %28cos%5E2%28x%29-cos%5E2%28x%29sin%5E2%28x%29%29%2Fsin%5E2%28x%29. On the right side I multiplied it out and came up with cos%5E4%28x%29%2Fsin%5E2%28x%29. Can you tell me what I've done wrong? Very appreciated. Thanks, Laura
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (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