Chapter 5: Problem 11
Evaluate each expression below without using a calculator. (Assume any variables represent positive numbers.) \(\sin \left(2 \cos ^{-1} \frac{\sqrt{5}}{5}\right)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The answer is \( \frac{4}{5} \).
Step by step solution
01
Recall the Double Angle Formula for Sine
To solve this problem, we will use the double angle formula for sine: \( \sin(2\theta) = 2 \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta) \). Before using the formula, identify \( \theta \) as the angle such that \( \cos(\theta) = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{5} \).
02
Determine the Sine of Theta
Since \( \theta \) is in a right triangle where \( \cos(\theta) = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{5} \), we can use the Pythagorean identity \( \cos^2(\theta) + \sin^2(\theta) = 1 \) to find \( \sin(\theta) \). Calculate \( \sin(\theta) = \sqrt{1 - \left(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{5}\right)^2} = \sqrt{1 - \frac{5}{25}} = \sqrt{\frac{20}{25}} = \frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5} \).
03
Apply the Double Angle Formula
Now use the double angle formula: \( \sin(2\theta) = 2 \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta) \). Substitute the values found: \( \sin(2\theta) = 2 \times \frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5} \times \frac{\sqrt{5}}{5} \).
04
Simplify the Expression
Simplify the expression by performing the multiplications: \( 2 \times \frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5} \times \frac{\sqrt{5}}{5} = \frac{2 \times 2 \times \sqrt{5} \times \sqrt{5}}{5 \times 5} = \frac{4 \times 5}{25} = \frac{20}{25} = \frac{4}{5} \).
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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 for sine is a handy tool in trigonometry. It simplifies calculations involving angles that are double the measure of another angle. The formula is expressed as: \( \sin(2\theta) = 2 \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta) \). This formula allows us to convert a complex angle into expressions involving simpler trigonometric functions.
- Understanding the formula: It states that the sine of twice an angle equals twice the product of the sine and cosine of the angle.
- Application: This is particularly useful when paired with inverse trigonometric functions like \( \cos^{-1} \), which means we can transform an arc cosine value back into usable sine and cosine functions.
- Example: In the context of the problem, \( \theta \) was the angle for which the cosine was already known. Using the formula translated this into a straightforward computation of \( \sin(2\theta) \).
Pythagorean Identity
The Pythagorean identity is one of the fundamental identities in trigonometry, and it's a great tool to link sine and cosine. It states that for any angle \( \theta \):
\( \cos^2(\theta) + \sin^2(\theta) = 1 \).
\( \cos^2(\theta) + \sin^2(\theta) = 1 \).
- Basic use: This identity shows the intrinsic relationship between \( \sin \theta \) and \( \cos \theta \). No matter what the angle is, their squares add up to 1.
- Why it matters: When one of the trigonometric values is known, the other can always be computed using this identity. This is incredibly helpful for simplifying expressions and solving triangles.
- Example in practice: In the given problem, we knew \( \cos \theta = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{5} \). Using the Pythagorean identity, we determined \( \sin \theta \) without any complicated calculations.
Trigonometric Expression Simplification
Simplifying trigonometric expressions involves rewriting them to make problem-solving easier and to see relationships more clearly. This is valuable when dealing with complex terms.
- Process of simplification: Often, simplification involves expressing equations in terms of simpler forms or substituting known identities, like the double angle formula or Pythagorean identity.
- Techniques: Methods include breaking down expressions into known identities, factoring, and using reciprocal identities.
- Example from the solution: Utilizing the values \( \sin(\theta) \) and \( \cos(\theta) \) alongside the double angle formula, we transformed \( \sin(2\theta) \) into a simplified fraction, \( \frac{4}{5} \).