What is sec^x -1 simplified?

1 Answer
Hriman
Mar 12, 2018

#tan^2x#

Explanation:

#secx-1# is already simplified
So let's try simplifying:
#sec^2x-1#
I'm sure you're familiar with the Pythagorean identity:
#1+tan^2x=sec^2x#
While I know that we can manipulate this identity to get a quick answer, let's substitute #(1+tan^2x)# in place of #sec^2x#:
#(1+tan^2x)-1=#
#cancel(1)+tan^2xcancel(-1)=#
#tan^2x#

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