Find the value of cos (π/4 - π/6)
- AOption (a)
√3 + 1
- BOption (b)
2√2
- COption (c)
(√3 + 1)2√2
- DOption (d)
None
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Correct answer
(√3 + 1)2√2
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Identify the values of standard angles in degrees: π/4 = 45° and π/6 = 30°.
Apply the compound angle identity: cos(A − B) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B.
Substitute standard values: (1/√2 × √3/2) + (1/√2 × 1/2).
Combine terms: (√3 + 1) / 2√2.
∴ The correct answer is (√3 + 1) / 2√2.
Alternate Method
Given: cos (π/4 − π/6)
Formula Used: cos(A − B) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B
Step-by-step Calculation:
⇒ Let A = π/4 and B = π/6
⇒ cos(π/4 − π/6) = cos(π/4) × cos(π/6) + sin(π/4) × sin(π/6)
⇒ cos(45° − 30°) = (1/√2 × √3/2) + (1/√2 × 1/2)
⇒ cos 15° = √3 / 2√2 + 1 / 2√2
⇒ cos 15° = (√3 + 1) / 2√2
∴ The correct answer is (√3 + 1) / 2√2.
Additional Information
Compound Angle Identities
cos(A + B) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B and sin(A ± B) = sin A cos B ± cos A sin B.
Standard Values Table
sin 30° = 1/2, cos 30° = √3/2, sin 45° = 1/√2, cos 45° = 1/√2.
Radian to Degree Conversion
To convert radians to degrees, multiply by 180/π. Hence, π radians = 180°.