Question

What is sec^x -1 simplified?

Answer 1

`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`