Proving Trig Identity: Secx - Tanxsinx = cosx Explained | One More Example

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The discussion focuses on proving the trigonometric identity secx - tanxsinx = cosx. The user initially struggles with simplifying the expression after multiplying tanx and sinx, leading to sin2x / cosx. They consider factoring and changing sin2x to 1 - cos2x but find clarity when realizing the expression can be simplified to 1/cosx - sin^2x/cosx. Ultimately, the simplification leads to the conclusion that it simplifies to cosx, confirming the identity. The thread highlights the importance of recognizing familiar trigonometric identities in the simplification process.
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Homework Statement


I'm finally starting to understand proving trig identities, but I have just one more that I can't seem to figure out.

secx - tanxsinx = cosx


Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


Well first, I multiplied the tanx and sinx and came up with sin2x / cosx
Now I'm stuck. I'm trying to do 1/cosx - sin2x / cosx
Would the GCF be (cosx)(cosx) or just cosx, I'm drawing a blank here. I'm debating whether or not to change the sin2x to 1 - cos2x, but even if I do, I can't figure out how that would simplify to just cosx
 
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You're almost there\frac{1}{\cos x}-\frac{\sin^2x}{\cos x}=\frac{1}{\cos x}(1-\sin^2x). You should notice something very familiar now.
 
So would it simplify to cos2x / cosx, which would then simplify to cosx for my answer?
 
Yep it's that easy!
 
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