Recognize identity: Recognize the identity to be used.We can use the Pythagorean identity sin2(α)+cos2(α)=1 and the double angle formula for cosine, which is cos(2α)=cos2(α)−sin2(α).
Express in squared terms: Express cos4α−sin4α in terms of squared terms.We can rewrite the expression as (cos2(α))2−(sin2(α))2.
Apply difference of squares: Apply the difference of squares formula. The difference of squares formula is a2−b2=(a+b)(a−b). Applying this to our expression, we get (cos2(α)+sin2(α))(cos2(α)−sin2(α)).
Substitute Pythagorean identity: Substitute the Pythagorean identity into the expression.Since sin2(α)+cos2(α)=1, we can replace the first part of the product with 1, resulting in 1×(cos2(α)−sin2(α)).
Simplify the expression: Simplify the expression.Simplifying the expression, we get cos2(α)−sin2(α).
Recognize double angle formula: Recognize the double angle formula for cosine. The double angle formula for cosine is cos(2α)=cos2(α)−sin2(α).
Compare with double angle formula: Compare the simplified expression with the double angle formula.We see that cos2(α)−sin2(α) is indeed the double angle formula for cosine, which is cos(2α).
Conclude the original expression: Conclude that the original expression is equal to the double angle formula.Therefore, cos4α−sin4α is equal to cos2α.
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