The Cosine Addition Formula

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 149 views

**Use an Addition or Subtraction Formula to Find the Exact Value of the Expression** ===========================================================

Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to use addition and subtraction formulas to find the exact value of the expression $\cos \left(\frac{5 \pi}{12}\right)$ . This involves understanding the properties of trigonometric functions and how to apply them to solve problems.

What are Addition and Subtraction Formulas?

Addition and subtraction formulas are used to simplify trigonometric expressions by combining the values of different angles. These formulas are essential in solving trigonometric problems and are used extensively in mathematics and physics.

The Cosine Addition Formula

The cosine addition formula is given by:

\cos (a + b) = \cos a \cos b - \sin a \sin b

This formula allows us to find the cosine of the sum of two angles, $a$ and $b$ , in terms of the cosines and sines of the individual angles.

The Cosine Subtraction Formula

The cosine subtraction formula is given by:

\cos (a - b) = \cos a \cos b + \sin a \sin b

This formula allows us to find the cosine of the difference of two angles, $a$ and $b$ , in terms of the cosines and sines of the individual angles.

Using Addition and Subtraction Formulas to Find the Exact Value of the Expression

To find the exact value of the expression $\cos \left(\frac{5 \pi}{12}\right)$ , we can use the addition and subtraction formulas. We can rewrite the expression as:

\cos \left(\frac{5 \pi}{12}\right) = \cos \left(\frac{\pi}{3} + \frac{\pi}{4}\right)

Using the cosine addition formula, we can simplify this expression as:

\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{3} + \frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \cos \frac{\pi}{3} \cos \frac{\pi}{4} - \sin \frac{\pi}{3} \sin \frac{\pi}{4}

We know that $\cos \frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{1}{2}$ , $\sin \frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$ , $\cos \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$ , and $\sin \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$ . Substituting these values, we get:

\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{3} + \frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}

Simplifying this expression, we get:

\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{3} + \frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{6}}{4}

Therefore, the exact value of the expression $\cos \left(\frac{5 \pi}{12}\right)$ is $\frac{\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{6}}{4}$ .

Conclusion

In this article, we have seen how to use addition and subtraction formulas to find the exact value of the expression $\cos \left(\frac{5 \pi}{12}\right)$ . We have also seen how to simplify trigonometric expressions using these formulas. This is an essential skill in mathematics and physics, and we hope that this article has provided a clear and concise explanation of how to use addition and subtraction formulas to solve trigonometric problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are addition and subtraction formulas?

A: Addition and subtraction formulas are used to simplify trigonometric expressions by combining the values of different angles.

Q: What is the cosine addition formula?

A: The cosine addition formula is given by $\cos (a + b) = \cos a \cos b - \sin a \sin b$ .

Q: What is the cosine subtraction formula?

A: The cosine subtraction formula is given by $\cos (a - b) = \cos a \cos b + \sin a \sin b$ .

Q: How do I use addition and subtraction formulas to find the exact value of a trigonometric expression?

A: To use addition and subtraction formulas to find the exact value of a trigonometric expression, you need to identify the angles involved and use the corresponding formula to simplify the expression.

Q: What is the exact value of the expression $\cos \left(\frac{5 \pi}{12}\right)$ ?

A: The exact value of the expression $\cos \left(\frac{5 \pi}{12}\right)$ is $\frac{\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{6}}{4}$ .

Q: Why are addition and subtraction formulas important in mathematics and physics?

A: Addition and subtraction formulas are essential in mathematics and physics because they allow us to simplify trigonometric expressions and solve problems involving angles and trigonometric functions.