Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations
Sum and Difference Identities
Problem 5.18a
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionFind the exact value of each expression. (Do not use a calculator.)
cos (7π/9) cos (2π/9) - sin (7π/9) sin (2π/9)
Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
0m:0sPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Cosine and Sine Addition Formulas
The cosine and sine addition formulas are fundamental identities in trigonometry that express the cosine and sine of the sum of two angles. Specifically, cos(a + b) = cos(a)cos(b) - sin(a)sin(b) and sin(a + b) = sin(a)cos(b) + cos(a)sin(b). These formulas allow us to simplify expressions involving trigonometric functions of sums of angles, which is essential for solving the given problem.
Recommended video:
5:08
Sine, Cosine, & Tangent of 30°, 45°, & 60°
Reference Angles
Reference angles are the acute angles formed by the terminal side of an angle in standard position and the x-axis. They help in determining the values of trigonometric functions for angles that are not standard. In this problem, understanding the reference angles for 7π/9 and 2π/9 is crucial for evaluating the cosine and sine functions accurately.
Recommended video:
5:31
Reference Angles on the Unit Circle
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one centered at the origin of a coordinate plane. It is a key tool in trigonometry for defining the sine and cosine of angles. By using the unit circle, we can find the exact values of trigonometric functions for various angles, including those expressed in radians like 7π/9 and 2π/9, which are necessary for solving the expression in the question.
Recommended video:
06:11
Introduction to the Unit Circle
Watch next
Master Sum and Difference of Sine & Cosine with a bite sized video explanation from Callie Rethman
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice