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3. Double and Half-Angle Identities
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Chapter 7
3. 

Double and Half-Angle Identities

This lesson delves into the intricacies of trigonometric identities, focusing primarily on double-angle and half-angle identities. These mathematical tools are essential for simplifying complex trigonometric equations and are widely used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and computer science. Understanding these identities can make it easier to solve problems that involve angles and lengths in triangles. For instance, they are often used in calculating distances, angles, and other dimensions in real-world applications like satellite positioning and architectural design. The lesson provides a step-by-step approach to mastering these identities, making it easier for both students and professionals to apply them in practical scenarios.
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12 Theory slides
9 Exercises - Grade E - A
Each lesson is meant to take 1-2 classroom sessions
Double and Half-Angle Identities
Slide of 12
This lesson will focus on introducing and practicing the trigonometric identities that relate the trigonometric values of an angle to the trigonometric values of the double-angle and half-angle.

Catch-Up and Review

Here are a few recommended readings before getting started with this lesson.

Challenge

Rules of the Quest Game and a Bonus

Zosia and her classmates entered a mathematical quest game. In this quest, there is an old leather map showing the path to various sacred mathematical sites. At each site, it is either solve the problem and move forward, or suffer the consequences of the unknown of the math universe.
A stream of water of a local fountain shoots into the air with velocity v at an angle theta with the horizont. It travels a horizontal distance of D=(v^2/g)2sin(2theta) and will reach a maximum height of H=(v^2/2g)sin^2(theta). Find H/D which helps determine the total width and height of the fountain.
External credits: @brgfx
At the very beginning of the quest, they were given a bonus task, which can be solved at the end of the quest. If solved successfully, they will get a huge amount of bonus points. What is the value of HD?
Discussion

Presenting Double-Angle Identities

To be able to solve the tasks of the quest, the class first stopped at the infopoint to recall the Double-Angle Identities. These identities relate the trigonometric values of an angle to the trigonometric values of twice that angle.

Rule

Double-Angle Identities

The double-angle identities materialize when two angles with the same measure are substituted into the angle sum identities.


cl Sine: & sin 2θ=2sin θ cos θ [0.7em] & cos 2θ =cos^2 θ - sin^2 θ Cosine: & cos 2θ = 2cos^2 θ - 1 & cos 2θ = 1 - 2sin^2 θ [0.2cm] Tangent: & tan 2θ =2tanθ/1-tan^2 θ

These identities simplify calculations when evaluating trigonometric functions of twice an angle measure.

Proof

Double-Angle Identities

Start by writing the Angle Sum Identity for sine and cosine. sin(x + y) = sin x cos y + cos x sin y cos(x + y) = cos x cos y - sin x sin y

Let x=θ and y=θ. With this, x+y becomes 2θ. Then, these two formulas can be rewritten in terms of θ. sin 2θ = sinθ cosθ + cosθ sinθ cos 2θ = cosθ cosθ - sinθ sinθ

Sine Identity

Approaching the first equation, the Commutative Property of Multiplication can be applied to the second term of its right-hand side. Then, by adding the terms on the right-hand side of this equation, the formula for sin 2θ is obtained.


sin 2θ = sinθ cosθ + sinθ cosθ ⇓ sin 2θ = 2sinθ cosθ ✓

Cosine Identities

Approaching the second equation, the Product of Powers Property can be used to rewrite its right-hand side. By doing this, the first identity for the cosine of the double of an angle is obtained.


cos 2θ = cosθ cosθ - sinθ sinθ ⇓ cos 2θ = cos^2θ - sin^2θ ✓

Now, recall that, by the Pythagorean Identity, the sine square plus the cosine square of the same angle equals 1. From this identity, two different equations can be set. sin^2 θ + cos^2 θ = 1 ⇓ sin^2 θ = 1-cos^2 θ & (I) cos^2 θ = 1-sin^2 θ & (II) Next, substitute Equation (I) into the first identity for the cosine.
cos 2θ = cos^2θ - sin^2θ
Substitute 1-cos^2 θ for sin^2 θ and simplify
cos 2θ = cos^2θ - ( 1-cos^2 θ)
cos 2θ = cos^2θ - 1 + cos^2 θ
cos 2θ = 2cos^2θ - 1 ✓
That way, the second identity for the cosine has been obtained. To obtain the third cosine identity, substitute Equation (II) into the first identity for the cosine.
cos 2θ = cos^2θ - sin^2θ
Substitute 1-sin^2 θ for cos^2 θ and simplify
cos 2θ = 1-sin^2 θ - sin^2θ
cos 2θ = 1-2sin^2 θ ✓

Tangent Identity

To prove the tangent identity, start by rewriting tan 2θ in terms of sine and cosine. tan 2θ = sin 2θ/cos 2θ Next, substitute the first sine identity in the numerator and the first cosine identity in the denominator. tan 2θ = 2sin θ cos θ/cos^2 θ - sin^2 θ Then, divide the numerator and denominator by cos^2θ. tan 2θ = 2sin θ cos θcos^2θ/cos^2 θ - sin^2 θcos^2θ Finally, simplifying the right-hand side the tangent identity will be obtained.
tan 2θ = 2sin θ cos θcos^2θ/cos^2 θ - sin^2 θcos^2θ
Simplify right-hand side
tan 2θ = 2sin θ cos θcos^2θ/cos^2 θcos^2θ - sin^2 θcos^2θ
tan 2θ = 2sin θ cos θcos^2θ/cos^2 θcos^2θ - sin^2 θcos^2θ
tan 2θ = 2sin θcosθ/1 - sin^2 θcos^2θ

a^m/b^m=(a/b)^m

tan 2θ = 2sin θcosθ/1 - ( sin θcosθ)^2
tan 2θ = 2* sin θcosθ/1 - ( sin θcosθ)^2

sin(θ)/cos(θ)=tan(θ)

tan 2θ = 2tanθ/1-tan^2θ ✓

Extra

Calculating cos 120^(∘)

To calculate the exact value of cos 120^(∘), these steps can be followed.

  1. To be able to use the double-angle identities, the angle 120^(∘) needs to be rewritten as 2 multiplied by another angle. Therefore, rewrite 120^(∘) as 2* 60^(∘).
  2. Use the second formula for the cosine of twice an angle.
  3. Based on the trigonometric ratios of common angles, it is known that cos 60^(∘) = 12.
Following these three steps, the value of cos 120^(∘) can be found.
cos 120^(∘)
cos (2* 60^(∘))

cos 2θ = 2cos^2 θ - 1

2cos^2 (60^(∘)) - 1

cos 60^(∘) = 1/2

2(1/2)^2 - 1
Simplify
2* 1/4 - 1
1/2 - 1
1/2 - 2/2
1-2/2
-1/2
-1/2
Example

Searching for Clues

When the class got to the first mathematical sacred site, they were told to look for three clues. After eagerly searching the neighborhood, they found three parts to one task.
Three pieces of paper that say: 'Find sin(2theta)', 'cos(theta)=2/5','theta is between 0 and 90 degrees'
External credits: @brgfx
The task says to calculate sin 2θ knowing that cosθ= 25 and 0^(∘)≤θ≤ 90^(∘). What exact value should the class get to be able to move on to the next site?

Hint

Find the value of sinθ by using one of the Pythagorean Identities.

Solution

In order to find the values of sin 2θ, recall the Double-Angle Identity for sine. sin 2θ = 2sinθcosθ The value of cosθ is known, but the value of sinθ is not. To find it, one of the Pythagorean Identities can be used. sin^2 θ+cos^2 θ=1 Substitute cosθ with 25 and solve for sinθ.
sin^2 θ+cos^2 θ=1
sin^2 θ+( 2/5)^2=1
sin^2 θ+2^2/5^2=1
sin^2 θ+4/25=1
sin^2 θ=1-4/25
sin^2 θ=25/25-4/25
sin^2 θ=21/25
Calculate root
|sinθ|=sqrt(21/25)
|sinθ|=sqrt(21)/sqrt(25)
|sinθ|=sqrt(21)/5
By the definition of absolute value, sin θ can have two possible values. |sinθ|=sqrt(21)/5 ⇓ sinθ=sqrt(21)/5 sinθ=- sqrt(21)/5 It is given that θ is between 0^(∘) and 90^(∘), which is the first quadrant. Sine has positive values in the first quadrant, so the negative value can be disregarded. sinθ=sqrt(21)/5 Now that both sine and cosine of θ are known, the value of sin2θ can be calculated.
sin2θ=2sinθcosθ
sin2θ=2( sqrt(21)/5)( 2/5)
sin2θ=2(2sqrt(21)/25)
sin2θ=4sqrt(21)/25
Therefore, the value of sin 2θ is 4sqrt(21)25.
Example

Finding Trigonometric Values to Determine the Password

At the second site, a steel safe awaits them. It is locked! Inside is the paper with the information needed to get to the third site. To open the safe, they must figure out the password.
A safe
External credits: @brgfx, @macrovector
The password is decoded sequentially by the integers that appear in the answers to the three given tasks. It is known that sinθ= 13 and 90^(∘)≤ θ≤ 180^(∘).
a Find the exact value of sin 2θ.
b Find the exact value of cos 2θ.
c Find the exact value of tan 2θ.

Hint

a Use the Pythagorean Identity to find the value of cosθ.
b Recall the Double-Angle Identity for cosine.
c Apply the Tangent Identity.

Solution

a Start by recalling the Double-Angle Identity for sine.
sin 2θ=2sinθcosθ As can be seen, to find the value of sin 2θ, the value of sinθ and cosθ should be known. It is given that sinθ= 13. Substitute that value into the Pythagorean Identity to calculate the corresponding value of cosθ.
sin^2 θ+cos^2 θ=1
( 1/3)^2+cos^2 θ=1
1^2/3^2+cos^2 θ=1
1/9+cos^2 θ=1
cos^2 θ=1-1/9
cos^2 θ=9/9-1/9
cos^2 θ=8/9
|cosθ|=sqrt(8/9)
Calculate root
|cosθ|=sqrt(8)/sqrt(9)
|cosθ|=sqrt(4* 2)/sqrt(9)
|cosθ|=2sqrt(2)/3
By the definition of absolute value, the cosine of θ can have two possible values — positive and negative. |cosθ|=2sqrt(2)/3 ⇓ cosθ=± 2sqrt(2)/3 It is known that 90^(∘)≤θ≤ 180^(∘), which indicates that θ is in the second quadrant where cosine has negative values. This way the exact value of cosθ is found. cosθ=- 2sqrt(2)/3 Now, the values of sinθ and cosθ can be used to calculate the value of sin 2θ.
sin 2θ=2sinθcosθ
sin 2θ=2( 1/3)( - 2sqrt(2)/3)
sin 2θ=- 2(1/3)(2sqrt(2)/3)
sin 2θ=- 2(2sqrt(2)/9)
sin 2θ=- 4sqrt(2)/9
b In order to find the value of cos2θ, rewrite it by using the Double-Angle Identity for cosine.
cos 2θ=cos^2 θ-sin^2 θ Since the values of both sin θ and cos θ are known, substitute them into the equation and solve for cos 2θ.
cos 2θ=cos^2 θ-sin^2 θ
cos 2θ=( - 2sqrt(2)/3)^2-( 1/3)^2
cos 2θ=(2sqrt(2)/3)^2-(1/3)^2
cos 2θ=(2sqrt(2))^2/3^2-1^2/3^2
cos 2θ=4* 2/9-1/9
cos 2θ=8/9-1/9
cos 2θ=7/9
c Finally, to find the value of tan 2θ, use the Tangent Identity.
tan 2θ = sin 2θ/cos 2θ Substitute the found values of sin 2θ and cos 2θ from the previous parts and then solve for tan 2θ.
tan 2θ = sin 2θ/cos 2θ
tan 2θ = - 4sqrt(2)/9/7/9
tan 2θ = - 4sqrt(2)/9* 9/7
tan 2θ = - 4sqrt(2)* 9/9* 7
tan 2θ = - 4sqrt(2)* 9/9* 7
tan 2θ = - 4sqrt(2)/7
Discussion

Presenting Half-Angle Identities

Before moving to the next station, the class stopped at another infopoint to learn about the Half-Angle Identities.

Rule

Half-Angle Identities

The half-angle identities are special cases of angle difference identities. To evaluate trigonometric functions of half an angle, the following identities can be applied.


sin θ/2 &= ±sqrt(1 - cosθ/2) [0.75em] cos θ/2 &= ±sqrt(1 + cosθ/2) [0.75em] tan θ/2 &= ±sqrt(1 - cosθ/1 + cosθ)

The sign of each formula is determined by the quadrant where the angle θ2 lies.

Signs of trigonometric ratios

These identities are useful when finding the exact value of the sine, cosine, or tangent at a given angle.

Proof

Half-Angle Identities

First, write two of the Double-Angle Identities for cosine. cos 2x &= 1 - 2sin^2 x cos 2x &= 2cos^2 x - 1

Sine Identity

Start by solving the first identity written above for sin x.
cos 2x = 1 - 2sin^2 x
Solve for sin x
cos 2x - 1 = -2sin^2 x
cos 2x - 1/-2 = sin^2 x
sin^2 x = cos 2x - 1/-2
sin^2 x = -cos 2x - 1/2
sin^2 x = 1-cos 2x/2
sin x = ±sqrt(1-cos 2x/2)
Next, substitute θ2 for x to obtain the half-angle identity for the sine.


sin θ/2 &= ±sqrt(1-cos(2* θ2)/2) & ⇓ sin θ/2 &= ±sqrt(1-cosθ/2) ✓

Cosine Identity

Start by solving the second identity written at the beginning for cos x.
cos 2x = 2cos^2 x - 1
Solve for cos x
1+cos 2x = 2cos^2 x
1+cos 2x/2 = cos^2 x
cos^2 x = 1+cos 2x/2
cos x = ±sqrt(1+cos 2x/2)
Next, substitute θ2 for x to obtain the half-angle identity for the cosine.


cos θ/2 &= ±sqrt(1+cos (2* θ2)/2) & ⇓ cos θ/2 &= ±sqrt(1+cosθ/2) ✓

Tangent Identity

To derive the tangent identity, start by recalling the definition of the tangent ratio. tan x = sin x/cos x Next, substitute θ2 for x. tan θ2 = sin ( θ2)/cos ( θ2) Finally, substitute the half-identities for the sine and cosine into the equation above and simplify the right-hand side.
tan θ/2 = sin ( θ2)/cos ( θ2)
tan θ/2 = ±sqrt(1 - cosθ2)/±sqrt(1 + cosθ2)
Simplify right-hand side
tan θ/2 = ±sqrt(1-cosθ2/1+cosθ2)
tan θ/2 = ±sqrt(1-cosθ/2 * 2/1+cosθ)
tan θ/2 = ±sqrt(1-cosθ/2 * 2/1+cosθ)
tan θ/2 = ±sqrt(1-cosθ/1 * 1/1+cosθ)
tan θ/2 = ±sqrt(1-cosθ/1+cosθ) ✓

Extra

Calculating cos 15^(∘)

Consider the calculation of the exact value of cos 15^(∘).

  1. To be able to use the half-angle identities, the angle 15^(∘) needs to be rewritten as a certain angle divided by 2. Therefore, rewrite 15^(∘) as 30^(∘)2.
  2. Based on the trigonometric ratios of common angles, it is known that cos 30^(∘) = sqrt(3)2.
  3. According to the diagram of the quadrants, an angle that measures 15^(∘) is in the first quadrant. Therefore, the cosine ratio is positive.
With these three steps and the second identity in mind, the value of cos 15^(∘) can be found.
cos 15^(∘)
cos30^(∘)/2

cos θ/2=sqrt(1+cos θ/2)

sqrt(1+cos 30^(∘)/2)

cos 30^(∘) =sqrt(3)/2

sqrt(1+ sqrt(3)2/2)
Simplify
sqrt(22+ sqrt(3)2/2)
sqrt(2+sqrt(3)2/2)
sqrt(1/2(2+sqrt(3)/2))
sqrt(2+sqrt(3)/4)
sqrt(2+sqrt(3))/sqrt(4)
sqrt(2+sqrt(3))/2
As already mentioned, the positive sign was chosen because 15^(∘) lies in the first quadrant where cosine is positive.
Example

Solving the Tasks Found Inside the Balloons

Zosia and her classmates reached the third site, ready for any task. Three balloons floated steadily in mist. They caught the balloons one by one and noticed that there is something inside each one. Zosia found a needle and popped the balloons.
Three balloons with notes inside of them
External credits: @brgfx
Three notes fell to the ground. The classmates have been tasked with finding the values of the following trigonometric expressions by using the Half-Angle Identities. The answers must be written without any radicals in the denominators.
a sin 15^(∘)
b cos 22.5^(∘)
c tan (- 15^(∘))

Hint

a Use the Half-Angle Identity for sine.
b Represent 22.5^(∘) as a quotient of some angle and 2.
c Apply the Half-Angle Identity for tangent and the Negative Angle Identity for cosine.

Solution

a First, review the Half-Angle Identity for sine.
sin(θ/2)=± sqrt(1-cosθ/2) Note that 15 can be expressed as 302. What is more, θ=30^(∘) is a common angle for which trigonometric values are known. Substitute 30^(∘) for θ into the formula and solve for sin 15^(∘).
sin(θ/2)=± sqrt(1-cosθ/2)
sin(30^(∘)/2)=± sqrt(1-cos 30^(∘)/2)
sin 15^(∘)=± sqrt(1-cos 30^(∘)/2)

\ifnumequal{30}{0}{\cos\left(0^\circ\right)=1}{}\ifnumequal{30}{30}{\cos\left(30^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{45}{\cos\left(45^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{60}{\cos\left(60^\circ\right)=\dfrac{1}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{90}{\cos\left(90^\circ\right)=0}{}\ifnumequal{30}{120}{\cos\left(120^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{1}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{135}{\cos\left(135^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{150}{\cos\left(150^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{180}{\cos\left(180^\circ\right)=\text{-} 1}{}\ifnumequal{30}{210}{\cos\left(210^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt 3}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{225}{\cos\left(225^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac {\sqrt{2}} {2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{240}{\cos\left(240^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac {1}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{270}{\cos\left(270^\circ\right)=0}{}\ifnumequal{30}{300}{\cos\left(300^\circ\right)=\dfrac{1}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{315}{\cos\left(315^\circ\right)=\dfrac {\sqrt{2}} {2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{330}{\cos\left(330^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt 3}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{360}{\cos\left(360^\circ\right)=1}{}

sin 15^(∘)=± sqrt(1-sqrt(3)/2/2)

1=a/a

sin 15^(∘)=± sqrt(2/2-sqrt(3)/2/2)
sin 15^(∘)=± sqrt(2-sqrt(3)/2/2)
sin 15^(∘)=± sqrt(2-sqrt(3)/4)
sin 15^(∘)=± sqrt(2-sqrt(3))/sqrt(4)
sin 15^(∘)=± sqrt(2-sqrt(3))/2
The angle of 15^(∘) is in the first quadrant where sine has positive values. Therefore, sin 15^(∘) has the following value. sin 15^(∘)=sqrt(2-sqrt(3))/2
b To calculate the cosine of 22.5^(∘), use the Half-Angle Identity for cosine.
cos(θ/2)=± sqrt(1+cosθ/2) The angle of 22.5^(∘) is equal to 45^(∘)2. Therefore, substitute θ with 45^(∘) and solve for cos 22.5^(∘).
cos(θ/2)=± sqrt(1+cosθ/2)
cos(45^(∘)/2)=± sqrt(1+cos 45^(∘)/2)
cos 22.5^(∘)=± sqrt(1+cos 45^(∘)/2)

\ifnumequal{45}{0}{\cos\left(0^\circ\right)=1}{}\ifnumequal{45}{30}{\cos\left(30^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{45}{\cos\left(45^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{60}{\cos\left(60^\circ\right)=\dfrac{1}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{90}{\cos\left(90^\circ\right)=0}{}\ifnumequal{45}{120}{\cos\left(120^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{1}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{135}{\cos\left(135^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{150}{\cos\left(150^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{180}{\cos\left(180^\circ\right)=\text{-} 1}{}\ifnumequal{45}{210}{\cos\left(210^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt 3}2}{}\ifnumequal{45}{225}{\cos\left(225^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac {\sqrt{2}} {2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{240}{\cos\left(240^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac {1}2}{}\ifnumequal{45}{270}{\cos\left(270^\circ\right)=0}{}\ifnumequal{45}{300}{\cos\left(300^\circ\right)=\dfrac{1}2}{}\ifnumequal{45}{315}{\cos\left(315^\circ\right)=\dfrac {\sqrt{2}} {2}}{}\ifnumequal{45}{330}{\cos\left(330^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt 3}2}{}\ifnumequal{45}{360}{\cos\left(360^\circ\right)=1}{}

cos 22.5^(∘)=± sqrt(1+sqrt(2)/2/2)

1=a/a

cos 22.5^(∘)=± sqrt(2/2+sqrt(2)/2/2)
cos 22.5^(∘)=± sqrt(2+sqrt(2)/2/2)
cos 22.5^(∘)=± sqrt(2+sqrt(2)/4)
cos 22.5^(∘)=± sqrt(2+sqrt(2))/sqrt(4)
cos 22.5^(∘)=± sqrt(2+sqrt(2))/2
The angle of 22.5^(∘) is in the first quadrant where the values of cosine are positive. Therefore, cos 22.5^(∘) has a positive sign. cos 22.5^(∘)=sqrt(2+sqrt(2))/2
c The value of tan(- 15^(∘)) can be calculated by applying the Half-Angle Identity for tangent.
tan(θ/2)=±sqrt(1-cosθ/1+cosθ) Note that - 15^(∘) can be represented as - 30^(∘)2. Therefore, substitute θ with - 30^(∘). tan(- 30/2)=±sqrt(1-cos(- 30^(∘))/1+cos(- 30^(∘))) By the Negative Angle Identity for cosine, the cosine of a negative angle equals the cosine of the positive angle. With this in mind, rewrite the obtained expression. tan(- 30/2)=±sqrt(1-cos 30^(∘)/1+cos 30^(∘)) Simplify the equation and calculate the value of tan(- 15^(∘)).
tan(- 30/2)=±sqrt(1-cos 30^(∘)/1+cos 30^(∘))
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(1-cos 30^(∘)/1+cos 30^(∘))

\ifnumequal{30}{0}{\cos\left(0^\circ\right)=1}{}\ifnumequal{30}{30}{\cos\left(30^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{45}{\cos\left(45^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{60}{\cos\left(60^\circ\right)=\dfrac{1}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{90}{\cos\left(90^\circ\right)=0}{}\ifnumequal{30}{120}{\cos\left(120^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{1}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{135}{\cos\left(135^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{150}{\cos\left(150^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{180}{\cos\left(180^\circ\right)=\text{-} 1}{}\ifnumequal{30}{210}{\cos\left(210^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac{\sqrt 3}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{225}{\cos\left(225^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac {\sqrt{2}} {2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{240}{\cos\left(240^\circ\right)=\text{-} \dfrac {1}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{270}{\cos\left(270^\circ\right)=0}{}\ifnumequal{30}{300}{\cos\left(300^\circ\right)=\dfrac{1}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{315}{\cos\left(315^\circ\right)=\dfrac {\sqrt{2}} {2}}{}\ifnumequal{30}{330}{\cos\left(330^\circ\right)=\dfrac{\sqrt 3}2}{}\ifnumequal{30}{360}{\cos\left(360^\circ\right)=1}{}

tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(1-sqrt(3)/2/1+sqrt(3)/2)

1=a/a

tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(2/2-sqrt(3)/2/2/2+sqrt(3)/2)
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(2-sqrt(3)/2/2+sqrt(3)/2)
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(2-sqrt(3)/2* 2/2+sqrt(3))
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt((2-sqrt(3))2/2(2+sqrt(3)))
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(2-sqrt(3)/2+sqrt(3))
Finally, to avoid having a radical in the denominator, the fraction can be multiplied by (2-sqrt(3)).
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(2-sqrt(3)/2+sqrt(3))
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt((2-sqrt(3)) (2-sqrt(3))/(2+sqrt(3)) (2-sqrt(3)))
Simplify right-hand side
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt((2-sqrt(3))(2-sqrt(3))/2^2-(sqrt(3))^2)
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt((2-sqrt(3))^2/2^2-(sqrt(3))^2)
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(2^2-4sqrt(3)+(sqrt(3))^2/2^2-(sqrt(3))^2)
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(4-4sqrt(3)+3/4-3)
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(7-4sqrt(3)/1)
tan(- 15^(∘))=±sqrt(7-4sqrt(3))
The angle of - 15^(∘) is in the fourth quadrant where tangent is negative. Therefore, tan(- 15^(∘)) has a negative sign. tan(- 15^(∘))=- sqrt(7-4sqrt(3))
Example

Solving a Task from a Fortune Cookie

The class has successfully made it to the fourth mathematical sacred site which appears to be in a kitchen. Something seems strange. They door immediately close behind them. They are not in a kitchen at all, but an escape room! In order to get out, the class needed to find the task and solve it.
A fortune cookie on the kitchen table with the task
External credits: @brgfx, @upklyak
After searching for a while, someone found a fortune cookie. Inside of it, the task challenges them to find the exact value of two expressions given that sinθ=- 1517 and 270^(∘)≤θ≤360^(∘).
a sin θ/2
b cos θ/2

Hint

a Start by calculating cosθ by using the Pythagorean Identity.
b Use the Half-Angle Identity for cosine.

Solution

a In order to find the value of sin θ2, the Half-Angle Identity for sine can be used.
sin θ/2=±sqrt(1-cosθ/2) First, the value of the cosine of θ needs to be found. To do so, use the Pythagorean Identity.
sin^2 θ+cos^2 θ=1
( - 15/17)^2+cos^2 θ=1
Solve for cosθ
(15/17)^2+cos^2 θ=1
15^2/17^2+cos^2 θ=1
225/289+cos^2 θ=1
cos^2 θ=1-225/289
cos^2 θ=289/289-225/289
cos^2 θ=64/289
|cos θ|=sqrt(64/289)
|cos θ|=sqrt(64)/sqrt(289)
|cos θ|=8/17
By the definition of absolute value, cosθ can have a positive or a negative value. |cos θ|=8/17 ⇓ cos θ=± 8/17 Recall that θ is between 270^(∘) and 360^(∘), which is the fourth quadrant where the cosine is positive. This way the exact value of cosθ is found. cosθ=8/17 Now, substitute this value into the identity written earlier and evaluate sin θ2.
sin θ/2=±sqrt(1-cosθ/2)
sin θ/2=±sqrt(1- 8/17/2)
sin θ/2=±sqrt(17/17-8/17/2)
sin θ/2=±sqrt(9/17/2)
sin θ/2=±sqrt(9/34)
sin θ/2=±sqrt(9)/sqrt(34)
sin θ/2=±3/sqrt(34)
Angle θ is between 270^(∘) and 360^(∘), which means that θ2 is between 270^(∘)2=135^(∘) and 360^(∘)2=180^(∘). These angles belong to the second quadrant. Therefore, the value of the sine of θ2 is positive. sin θ/2=3/sqrt(34)
b To find the value of cos θ2, recall the Half-Angle Identity for cosine.
cos θ/2=±sqrt(1+cosθ/2) From Part A, the value of cosθ is known. Substitute it into the formula and solve for cos θ2.
cos θ/2=±sqrt(1+cosθ/2)
cos θ/2=±sqrt(1+ 8/17/2)
cos θ/2=±sqrt(17/17+8/17/2)
cos θ/2=±sqrt(25/17/2)
cos θ/2=±sqrt(25/34)
cos θ/2=±sqrt(25)/sqrt(34)
cos θ/2=±5/sqrt(34)
Earlier it was found that θ2 is in the second quadrant where cosine is negative. Therefore, the value of cos θ2 is negative. cos θ/2=-5/sqrt(34)
Example

Choosing the Right Direction

The class successfully solved the task from the fortune cookie and arrived at the fifth site. There they saw two potential roads to the next site. To determine which road to choose, they need to solve the task written on the placard.
A placard with two arrows to left (saying 'No') and right (saying 'Yes') saying 'Is it an identity? 4cos^2(x)-sin^2(2x)=4cos^4(x)'
External credits: @brgfx
Which way should the class turn to end up at the sixth site?

Hint

Solution

To verify the identity, rewrite its sides until they match. First, add sin^2 2x and subtract 4cos^4 x from both sides of the equation. Then, factor out 4cos^2 x.
4cos^2 x-sin^2 2x=4cos^4 x
4cos^2 x=4cos^4 x+sin^2 2x
4cos^2 x-4cos^4 x=sin^2 2x
4cos^2 x(1-cos^2 x)=sin^2 2x
Recall the Pythagorean Identity and rewrite it to match the expression in the parentheses. sin^2 x+cos^2 x=1 ⇓ sin^2 x=1-cos^2 x Now, substitute 1-cos^2 x for sin^2 x into the equation and simplify it. Next, use the Double-Angle Identity for sine.
4cos^2 x(1-cos^2 x)=sin^2 2x

1 - cos^2(θ) = sin^2(θ)

4cos^2 xsin^2 x=sin^2 2x

sin^2(θ)=(sin(θ))^2

4cos^2 xsin^2 x=(sin 2x)^2

sin(2θ)=2sin(θ)cos(θ)

4cos^2 xsin^2 x=(2sin xcos x)^2
4cos^2 xsin^2 x=4sin^2 xcos^2 x
As can be seen, the left-hand side is the same as the right-hand side. Therefore, the identity is verified. This means that the class should turn right to end up at the sixth site.
Example

Matching the Sides of Identities

The class made the correct turn to the right and arrived at the sixth site. They notice a rustic table with torn pieces of paper, on which the left-hand and right-hand sides of different identities were written. The task at hand is to match at least one of the identities.
Six torn pieces of identities, two of them in the middle that say sin(theta/2)cos(theta/2) and sin(theta)/2
External credits: @brgfx, textures.com
Zosia placed two random pieces in the middle of the table and started checking whether they form an identity. sinθ/2cosθ/2? =sinθ/2 What result is she going to get?

Hint

Rewrite one or both sides of the equation by using the Half-Angle Identity or the Double-Angle Identity.

Solution

In order to check whether the equation Zosia formed is an identity, rewrite the sides until they match. There are two ways to do this — using the Half-Angle Identity or using the Double-Angle Identity. Each way will be shown one at a time.

Using the Half-Angle Identity

Start by recalling the Half-Angle Identities for sine and cosine. sin θ/2=± sqrt(1-cosθ/2) [0.2cm] cos θ/2=± sqrt(1+cosθ/2) Substitute the expressions corresponding to sin θ2 and cos θ2 into the equation and simplify.
sinθ/2cosθ/2? =sinθ/2
± sqrt(1-cosθ/2)(± sqrt(1+cosθ/2))? =sinθ/2
± sqrt(1-cosθ/2*1+cosθ/2)? =sinθ/2
± sqrt((1-cosθ)(1+cosθ)/4)? =sinθ/2

(a-b)(a+b)=a^2-b^2

± sqrt(1^2-cos^2 θ/4)? =sinθ/2
± sqrt(1-cos^2 θ/4)? =sinθ/2
Next, the Pythagorean Identity can be used. sin^2 θ+cos^2 θ=1 ⇓ sin^2 θ=1-cos^2 θ Substitute sin^2 θ for 1-cos^2 θ into the obtained equation and calculate the square root on the left-hand side of the equation.
± sqrt(1-cos^2 θ/4)? =sinθ/2

1 - cos^2(θ) = sin^2(θ)

± sqrt(sin^2 θ/4)? =sinθ/2
± sqrt(sin^2 θ)/sqrt(4)? =sinθ/2
± sinθ/2=sinθ/2 ✓
The equation is true, which means that it is an identity.

Using the Double-Angle Identity

Start by reviewing the Double-Angle Identity. sin 2θ=2sinθcosθ If instead of 2θ there was θ, the identity would look the following way. sin θ=2sinθ/2cos θ/2 Finally, by dividing both sides of the identity by 2, the equation that should have been verified can be obtained. sinθ/2=sinθ/2cos θ/2 Therefore, the equation Zosia formed is indeed an identity.

Example

Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions

The class has arrived at the seventh mathematical sacred sit — the finale. A huge board with plenty of colorful stickers lies ahead. They are told to choose two random cards.
Two expressions written on the sticker cards: sin^2(theta/1)-cos^2(theta2) and cos(2theta)/(sin(theta)+cos(theta))
External credits: @brgfx
The classmates go through and and turn the cards. Lo and behold, two trigonometric expressions appear that need to be simplified. Once this is done, they will have completed the math quest!
a sin^2 θ/2-cos^2 θ/2
b cos2θ/sinθ+cosθ

Hint

a Start by factoring out - 1.

Solution

a Start by analyzing the first given expression.
sin^2 θ/2-cos^2 θ/2 As can be seen, the expression contains the squares of sine and cosine. Therefore, it can be simplified by using the Double-Angle Identity for cosine.
sin^2 θ/2-cos^2 θ/2
- (cos^2 θ/2-sin^2 θ/2)

cos^2(θ)-sin^2(θ)=cos(2θ)

- cos θ
Therefore, the expression simplifies to - cosθ.
b Again, to simplify the expression, use the Double-Angle Identity for cosine.
cos2θ/sinθ+cosθ

cos(2θ)=cos^2(θ)-sin^2(θ)

cos^2 θ-sin^2 θ/sinθ+cosθ
(cosθ+sinθ)(cosθ-sinθ)/sinθ+cosθ
(cosθ+sinθ)(cosθ-sinθ)/cosθ+sinθ
(cosθ+sinθ)(cosθ-sinθ)/(cosθ+sinθ)
cosθ-sinθ/1
cosθ-sinθ
They did it. They completed the quest!
Closure

Solving the Task to Get the Bonus

When the math quest game for Zosia and her classmates began, they were going to face some tough tasks. After passing all the sites, the rules stated that they could try for a bonus task and get major points. Naturally, they decided try to solve it.
A stream of water of a local fountain shoots into the air with velocity v at an angle theta to the horizon. It travels a horizontal distance of D=(v^2/g)2sin(2theta) and will reach a maximum height of H=(v^2/2g)sin^2(theta). Find H/D which helps determine the total width and height of the fountain.
External credits: @brgfx
What is the value of HD?

Hint

Solution

To find the value of HD, substitute the corresponding expressions to H and D and then simplify.
H/D
v^2/2gsin^2 θ/v^2/gsin2θ
v^2sin^2 θ/2g/v^2sin 2θ/g
v^2sin^2 θ/2g* g/v^2sin2θ
v^2sin^2 θ g/2gv^2sin2θ
v^2sin^2 θ g/2gv^2sin2θ
sin^2 θ/2sin2θ
Now, the Double-Angle Identity for sine can be used.
sin^2 θ/2sin2θ

sin(2θ)=2sin(θ)cos(θ)

sin^2 θ/2* 2sinθcosθ
sin^2 θ/4sinθcosθ
\dfrac{\sin^\cancel{2}\!\theta }{4\cancel{\sin\theta}\cos\theta}
sinθ/4cosθ
1/4*sinθ/cosθ

tan(θ)=sin(θ)/cos(θ)

1/4tan θ
Therefore, the quotient of H and D simplifies to 14tan θ.
Zosia and her classmates solved the bonus task and were very excited to get additional points. Completing the quest was such an adventure — who knew so much fun could be had by solving Double and Half-Angle Identities? They will definitely remember this experience for a long time!


Double and Half-Angle Identities
Exercise 3.1
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