Chapter 1: Problem 48
Find the function values in Exercises \(47-50\) $$\cos ^{2} \frac{5 \pi}{12}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{2 - \sqrt{3}}{4} \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify Trigonometric Formulas
For the given problem, we can use the identity \( \cos^2(\theta) = \frac{1 + \cos(2\theta)}{2} \) to simplify the expression.
02
Set the Angle for Double Angle Formula
Use the angle \( \theta = \frac{5\pi}{12} \), then calculate \( 2\theta = \frac{10\pi}{12} = \frac{5\pi}{6} \).
03
Calculate\( \cos(\frac{5\pi}{6}) \)
The reference angle for \( \frac{5\pi}{6} \) is \( \frac{\pi}{6} \), where \( \cos(\frac{\pi}{6}) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \). Since \( \frac{5\pi}{6} \) is in the second quadrant where cosine is negative, \( \cos(\frac{5\pi}{6}) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \).
04
Substitute and Simplify
Substitute \( \cos(\frac{5\pi}{6}) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \) into the formula: \[ \cos^2 \left( \frac{5\pi}{12} \right) = \frac{1 + (-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2})}{2} = \frac{1 - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{2} \text{ which simplifies to } \frac{2 - \sqrt{3}}{4}. \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Double Angle Formula
The double angle formula is a powerful tool in trigonometry that helps us simplify expressions involving angles. In general, the double angle formulas are
- For sine: \( \sin(2\theta) = 2\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta) \)
- For cosine: \( \cos(2\theta) = \cos^2(\theta) - \sin^2(\theta) = 2\cos^2(\theta) - 1 = 1 - 2\sin^2(\theta) \)
- For tangent: \( \tan(2\theta) = \frac{2\tan(\theta)}{1 - \tan^2(\theta)} \)
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions are fundamental concepts in trigonometry. They are based on the relationships between the angles and sides of right triangles. The main trigonometric functions are:
- Sine (\(\sin\)): relates the opposite side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle.
- Cosine (\(\cos\)): relates the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle.
- Tangent (\(\tan\)): relates the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle.
Angle Simplification
Angle simplification is an essential skill when working with trigonometric identities. It involves reducing complex angles into simpler, well-known reference angles. The process often uses symmetries of trigonometric functions:
- The unit circle helps visualize angles and their corresponding function values.
- Reference angles are the acute angles that a terminal side makes with the horizontal axis of the unit circle.
- Understanding quadrant rules always checks if the trigonometric functions are positive or negative.