1. **Problem statement:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{\sin x - \sin x \cos^2 x}{\sin^2 x}$$. 2. **Recall the Pythagorean identity:** $$\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1$$. 3. **Rewrite the numerator:** $$\sin x - \sin x \cos^2 x = \sin x (1 - \cos^2 x)$$. 4. **Use the identity:** $$1 - \cos^2 x = \sin^2 x$$, so numerator becomes $$\sin x \sin^2 x = \sin^3 x$$. 5. **Rewrite the entire expression:** $$\frac{\sin^3 x}{\sin^2 x}$$. 6. **Simplify by canceling common factors:** $$\frac{\sin^3 x}{\sin^2 x} = \sin x$$. **Final answer:** $$\sin x$$.