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Ch. 3 - Trigonometric Identities and Equations
Blitzer - Trigonometry 3rd Edition
Blitzer3rd EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780137316601Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 7c

Each expression is the right side of the formula for cos (α - β) with particular values for α and β. Find the exact value of the expression.
cos5π12cosπ12+sin5π12sinπ12\(\cos\) \(\frac{5\pi}{12}\) \(\cos\) \(\frac{\pi}{12}\) + \(\sin\) \(\frac{5\pi}{12}\) \(\sin\) \(\frac{\pi}{12}\)

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given expression as the right side of the cosine difference formula: \(\cos(\alpha - \beta) = \cos \alpha \cos \beta + \sin \alpha \sin \beta\).
Match the angles in the expression to \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\). Here, \(\alpha = \frac{5\pi}{12}\) and \(\beta = \frac{\pi}{12}\).
Use the formula to rewrite the expression as \(\cos\left(\frac{5\pi}{12} - \frac{\pi}{12}\right)\).
Simplify the angle inside the cosine: \(\frac{5\pi}{12} - \frac{\pi}{12} = \frac{4\pi}{12} = \frac{\pi}{3}\).
Recognize that the expression equals \(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\), and recall the exact value of \(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\) from the unit circle.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cosine of a Difference Formula

The cosine of a difference between two angles α and β is given by cos(α - β) = cos α cos β + sin α sin β. This identity allows us to rewrite expressions involving sums of products of sines and cosines as a single cosine function, simplifying evaluation.
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Exact Values of Trigonometric Functions at Special Angles

Certain angles, especially multiples of π/6, π/4, and π/3, have well-known exact sine and cosine values. Recognizing these angles helps in calculating exact trigonometric values without a calculator, which is essential for precise answers.
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Angle Simplification and Periodicity

Trigonometric functions are periodic, so angles can be simplified by adding or subtracting multiples of 2π to find equivalent angles within a standard interval. This simplification aids in evaluating trigonometric expressions accurately.
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