# 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° = $$\frac{\sqrt{10 + 2\sqrt{5}}}{4}$$