PROBLEM:

or, equivalently,


Prove that:

 

(that is, without computation or tables).



Hint 1. Consider the isosceles triangle with angles 36, 72, 72.

See Sublime Triangle.


Hint 2. Consider trigonometric identities for half angles and double angles.

 

 

 




Hint 3. Consider the equation


Hint 4. Find closed form expressions for

See Sublime Triangle

Cos 36 degrees

Closed Form for Some Values of Cosine and Sine





Return to EMAT 4600/6600 Page