Proving Trig Identity: 1-(cos(x)+sin(x))(cos(x)-sin(x))=2sin^2(x)

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The discussion focuses on proving the trigonometric identity 1 - (cos(x) + sin(x))(cos(x) - sin(x)) = 2sin^2(x). Participants initially attempt to simplify the left side using the FOIL method, leading to confusion over the cancellation of terms. It is clarified that the correct simplification results in 1 - (cos^2(x) - sin^2(x)). The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining parentheses during the foiling process to avoid losing negative signs. The final suggestion encourages the use of Pythagorean identities to further simplify the expression.
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prove
1-(cos(x)+sin(x))(cos(x)-sin(x))=2sin^2(x)

foil out the center
I get
1-cos^2(x)-cos(x)sin(x)+cos(x)sin(x)+sin^2(x)

the -cos(x)sin(x)+cos(x)sin(x) cancels to 0 leaving

1-cos^2(x)-sin^2(x)

then I'm lost...

I know I can switch 1-cos^2(x) to sin^2(x) but that doesn't help because I get
sin^2(x)-sin^2(x)=0

where am i going wrong?
 
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"1-cos^2(x)-cos(x)sin(x)+cos(x)sin(x)+sin^2(x)

the -cos(x)sin(x)+cos(x)sin(x) cancels to 0 leaving

1-cos^2(x)-sin^2(x)"

Are you sure? Looks to me like the +cos(x)sin(x) and the -cos(x)sin(x) cancel out to leave:
1-cos^2(x)+sin^2(x)
 
I wrote my foil wrong
foiling leaves me
1-cos^2(x)-cos(x)sin(x)+cos(x)sin(x) - sin^2(x)
 
Don't remove the parentheses until after you've foiled it out or you're going to lose a negative sign.

Foiling 1-[(cos(x)+sin(x))(cos(x)-sin(x))], we get
1-(cos^2(x)-cos(x)sin(x)+cos(x)sin(x)-sin^2(x)). Two of the terms cancel, yielding:
1-(cos^2(x)-sin^2(x))
=1-cos^2(x)+sin^2(x)

Now try using those Pythagorean identities.
 
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