# Homework Help: Explain why -sin[SUP]2[/SUP]x - cos[SUP]2[SUP]x = -1

1. Mar 2, 2010

### tjohn101

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I should know this, but I'm using it as a step in one of my proofs and having trouble explaining how it works. Can someone help?

-sin2x - cos2x = -1

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
Not sure how to prove and explain it.

And sorry about the title gents I'm using a blackberry so I just copied and pasted the equation from my question : /

2. Mar 2, 2010

### HallsofIvy

Derived from what? If you know that $sin^2(x)+ cos^2(x)= 1$, then just multiply both sides of that equation by -1.

If you cannot use that, how you prove it depends upon the precise definition of sine and cosine. What definitions are you using?

3. Mar 2, 2010

### tjohn101

Not sure. I'm proving d/dx [cotx] = -csc2x and I have the above equation in there as a step towards my proof. I've proven it, but my professor wants me to explain why the above equation = -1.

4. Mar 2, 2010

### ideasrule

It's crucial to know what you're allowed to assume. If you can assume sin^2x + cos^2x = 1, then just multiply both sides by -1 and you get that equation. If you can't assume that, you can draw out a triangle and prove that sin^2x + cos^2x = 1 from the definitions of sine and cosine.

5. Mar 2, 2010

### bodhisattva87

it's the pythagorean theorem. Assume a right triangle formed by a vector and the x,y axes with sides A, B, C. Assume you're looking at angle "a": sin(a)=A/C cos(a)=B/C. Plug those in and multiply both sides by C^2 to get A^2+B^2=C^2