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\( \frac{\text { Example }}{\text { Prove that } \cos 80^{\circ}+\cos 40^{\circ}=\cos 20^{\circ}} \)

Ask by Hampton Kirk. in South Africa
Mar 11,2025

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Answer

\[ \cos 80^\circ + \cos 40^\circ = \cos 20^\circ \]

Solution

**Step 1.** Recall the sum-to-product formula for cosine: \[ \cos A + \cos B = 2 \cos \left(\frac{A+B}{2}\right) \cos \left(\frac{A-B}{2}\right) \] **Step 2.** Let \( A = 80^\circ \) and \( B = 40^\circ \). Substitute these into the formula: \[ \cos 80^\circ + \cos 40^\circ = 2 \cos \left(\frac{80^\circ + 40^\circ}{2}\right) \cos \left(\frac{80^\circ - 40^\circ}{2}\right) \] **Step 3.** Simplify the expression: \[ \frac{80^\circ + 40^\circ}{2} = \frac{120^\circ}{2} = 60^\circ \] \[ \frac{80^\circ - 40^\circ}{2} = \frac{40^\circ}{2} = 20^\circ \] Thus, \[ \cos 80^\circ + \cos 40^\circ = 2 \cos 60^\circ \cos 20^\circ \] **Step 4.** Recall that \( \cos 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \). Substitute this value: \[ \cos 80^\circ + \cos 40^\circ = 2 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \cdot \cos 20^\circ = \cos 20^\circ \] **Conclusion.** Therefore, we have proven that: \[ \cos 80^\circ + \cos 40^\circ = \cos 20^\circ \]

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The equation \(\cos 80^{\circ} + \cos 40^{\circ} = \cos 20^{\circ}\) can be proven using the cosine addition formulas. First, we recognize that \(\cos 80^{\circ} = \sin 10^{\circ}\) and \(\cos 40^{\circ}\) can be expressed as a sum, focusing on the angle relationships. Applying the sum-to-product identities, we can rewrite the left side and simplify it, ultimately showing that both sides indeed equal the same value. In the broader context of trigonometric identities, this example demonstrates that angles can be intertwined creatively. These identities have applications not only in pure mathematics, such as simplifications in calculus, but also in fields like physics and engineering, where wave functions or oscillatory motion can be analyzed using the laws of trigonometry. Understanding these relationships helps in solving real-world problems involving periodic phenomena!

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