How to prove #sin^2 theta - cos^2 theta = 1 -2cos^2 theta# ?

1 Answer
Jul 17, 2018

See answer below

Explanation:

Given: Prove #sin^2 theta - cos^2 theta = 1 - 2 cos^2 theta#

Use the Pythagorean Identity: #" "sin^2 theta+ cos^2 theta = 1#

Rearrange the identity: #" "sin^2 theta = 1 - cos^2 theta#

Start with the left side of the equation and substitute the rearranged identity:

#sin^2 theta - cos^2 theta = 1 - cos^2 theta - cos^2 theta#

Combine like-terms:

#= 1 - 2 cos^2 theta# This is the right-side

Q.E.D.