Given that sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2 = 1, show that sec(x)^2 - tan(x)^2 = 1 (2 marks). Hence solve for x: tan(x)^2 + cos(x) = 1, x ≠ (2n + 1)π and -2π < x =< 2π(3 marks)

sin(x)2 + cos(x)2 = 1

Dividing by cos(x)2 gives:

tan(x)2 + 1 = sec(x)2 

Which rearranges as:

sec(x)2 - tan(x)2 = 1 as required.

tan(x)2 + cos(x)2 = 1

sec(x)2 - 1 + cos(x)2 = 1

sec(x)2 + cos(x)2 = 2

1 + cos(x)4 = 2cos(x)2

(cos(x)2 -1)2 = 0

cos(x)2 = 1

cos(x) = 1

x = 0, 2π

AR
Answered by Alistair R. Maths tutor

4221 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

(a) Use integration by parts to find ∫ x sin(3x) dx


The equation kx^2+4kx+5=0, where a is a constant, has no real roots. Find the range of possible values of k.


Find the turning points of the equation y=4x^3-9x^2+6x?


The curve has equation y = x^3 - x^2 - 5x + 7 and the straight line has equation y = x + 7. One point of intersection, B, has coordinates (0, 7). Find the other two points of intersection, A and C.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning