Exact Value of cos 36°

We will learn to find the exact value of cos 36 degrees using the formula of multiple angles.


How to find exact value of cos 36°?

Let A = 18°                          

Therefore, 5A = 90°

⇒ 2A + 3A = 90˚

⇒ 2θ = 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 θ - 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 θ = \(\frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{- 4 (4)(-1)}}{2(4)}\)

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

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

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

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

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

Now, cos 36° = cos 2 ∙ 18°

⇒ cos 36° = 1 - 2 sin\(^{2}\) 18°

⇒ cos 36° = 1 - 2\((\frac{\sqrt{5} - 1}{4})^{2}\)

⇒ cos 36° = \(\frac{16 - 2(5 + 1 - 2\sqrt{5})}{16}\)

⇒ cos 36° = \(\frac{1 + 4\sqrt{5}}{16}\)

⇒ cos 36° = \(\frac{\sqrt{5} + 1}{4}\)

Therefore, cos 36° = \(\frac{\sqrt{5} + 1}{4}\)





● Submultiple Angles






11 and 12 Grade Math

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