Math Problem Statement

Calculate cos (θ/2)

Solution

To calculate cos(θ2)\cos\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) for the given right triangle, we'll first need to find the value of θ\theta, the angle at CC. Then, we'll use the half-angle identity to determine cos(θ2)\cos\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right).

Step 1: Find θ\theta

Using trigonometry in the right triangle ABCABC, we can calculate θ\theta using the tangent function: tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent=86=43\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{8}{6} = \frac{4}{3}

To find θ\theta, take the arctan (inverse tangent): θ=arctan(43)\theta = \arctan\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)

Step 2: Use the half-angle identity

The half-angle identity for cosine is: cos(θ2)=1+cos(θ)2\cos\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) = \sqrt{\frac{1 + \cos(\theta)}{2}}

First, we need to find cos(θ)\cos(\theta) using the sides of the triangle: cos(θ)=adjacenthypotenuse=610=0.6\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{6}{10} = 0.6

Now, apply the half-angle identity: cos(θ2)=1+0.62=1.62=0.8=45=255\cos\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) = \sqrt{\frac{1 + 0.6}{2}} = \sqrt{\frac{1.6}{2}} = \sqrt{0.8} = \sqrt{\frac{4}{5}} = \frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5}

Thus, cos(θ2)=255\cos\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) = \frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5}.

Would you like more details on any of these steps or do you have further questions?


Here are 8 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you calculate sin(θ)\sin(\theta) using the sides of a triangle?
  2. What is the relationship between the angles α\alpha and θ\theta in this triangle?
  3. How can you use the Pythagorean theorem to verify the hypotenuse in this triangle?
  4. What is the exact value of tan(θ2)\tan\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right)?
  5. How do you calculate the area of triangle ABCABC?
  6. What is the length of the median from point AA to side BCBC?
  7. How would you calculate cos(α)\cos(\alpha) given the sides of the triangle?
  8. What are the sine and cosine of α2\frac{\alpha}{2}?

Tip: When dealing with right triangles, always start by identifying the sides relative to the angles you need to calculate (opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse). This helps in selecting the correct trigonometric ratio.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Half-angle identities
Right triangles

Formulas

Half-angle identity for cosine

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School