Exact Value of cos 18°

We will learn to find the exact value of cos 18 degrees using the formula of multiple angles.


How to find exact value of cos 18°?

Let, A = 18°                        

Therefore, 5A = 90°

⇒ 2A + 3A = 90˚

⇒ 2A = 90˚ - 3A

Taking sine on both sides, we get

sin 2A = sin (90˚ - 3A) = cos 3A

⇒ 2 sin A cos A = 4 cos\(^{3}\) A - 3 cos A

⇒ 2 sin A cos A - 4 cos\(^{3}\) A + 3 cos A = 0

⇒ cos A (2 sin A - 4 cos\(^{2}\) A + 3) = 0 

Dividing both sides by cos A = cos 18˚ ≠ 0, we get

⇒ 2 sin A - 4 (1 - sin\(^{2}\) A) + 3 = 0

⇒ 4 sin\(^{2}\) A + 2 sin A - 1 = 0, which is a quadratic in sin A

Therefore, sin A = \(\frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{- 4 (4)(-1)}}{2(4)}\)

⇒ sin A = \(\frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{4 + 16}}{8}\)

⇒ sin A = \(\frac{-2 \pm 2 \sqrt{5}}{8}\)

⇒ sin A = \(\frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{5}}{4}\)

Now sin 18° is positive, as 18° lies in first quadrant.

Therefore, sin 18° = sin A = \(\frac{√5 - 1}{4}\)


Now cos 18° = √(1 - sin\(^{2}\) 18°), [Taking positive value, cos 18° > 0]

⇒ cos 18° = \(\sqrt{1 - (\frac{\sqrt{5} - 1}{4})^{2}}\)

⇒ cos 18° = \(\sqrt{\frac{16 - (5 + 1 - 2\sqrt{5})}{16}}\)

⇒ cos 18° = \(\sqrt{\frac{10 + 2\sqrt{5}}{16}}\)

Therefore, cos 18° = \(\frac{\sqrt{10 + 2\sqrt{5}}}{4}\)

● Submultiple Angles





11 and 12 Grade Math

From Exact Value of cos 18° to HOME PAGE


New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.



Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



Share this page: What’s this?