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In the Mathematics Grade 12 investigation for February 2025, investigate …

Mathematics Questions

In the Mathematics Grade 12 investigation for February 2025, investigate compound angles and double angles. Given the following angles: (i) (A = 60^circ) and (B = 30^circ), (ii) (A = 110^circ) and (B = 50^circ), and (iii) (A = 225^circ) and (B = 135^circ), use a calculator to evaluate: (a) (cos(A – B)), (b) (cos A – cos B), and (c) (cos A cos B + sin A cdot sin B).

Short Answer

The problem involves evaluating trigonometric expressions for three pairs of angles (A) and (B). Using the cosine difference identity, ( cos(A-B) ) was calculated for each pair, showing values of approximately 0.866, 0.5, and 0, respectively, while ( cos A – cos B ) provided results of approximately -0.366, -0.985, and 0, confirming the accuracy of the cosine identity.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Problem

The problem involves evaluating trigonometric expressions using the angles (A) and (B). We have three pairs of angles to work with, specifically:

  • (A = 60^{circ}, B = 30^{circ})
  • (A = 110^{circ}, B = 50^{circ})
  • (A = 225^{circ}, B = 135^{circ})
We will calculate ( cos(A-B) ), ( cos A – cos B ), and validate the cosine difference identity.

Step 2: Calculate ( cos(A-B) )

Using the cosine formula, ( cos(A – B) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B ), we will evaluate this for each angle pair:

  • For (A = 60^{circ}, B = 30^{circ}): ( cos(60^{circ} – 30^{circ}) = cos(30^{circ}) approx 0.866)
  • For (A = 110^{circ}, B = 50^{circ}): ( cos(110^{circ} – 50^{circ}) = cos(60^{circ}) = 0.5)
  • For (A = 225^{circ}, B = 135^{circ}): ( cos(225^{circ} – 135^{circ}) = cos(90^{circ}) = 0)

Step 3: Evaluate the Expressions

Finally, we will calculate the remaining expressions ( cos A – cos B ) and verify the identity:

  • For (A = 60^{circ}, B = 30^{circ}): ( cos 60^{circ} – cos 30^{circ} approx -0.366)
  • For (A = 110^{circ}, B = 50^{circ}): ( cos 110^{circ} – cos 50^{circ} approx -0.985)
  • For (A = 225^{circ}, B = 135^{circ}): ( cos 225^{circ} – cos 135^{circ} = 0)
  • Recheck ( cos A cos B + sin A sin B ) yields same results as ( cos(A-B) ).
This ensures our calculations strengthen the understanding of trigonometric identities.

Related Concepts

Cosine Difference Identity

The cosine difference identity states that the cosine of the difference of two angles ( a ) and ( b ) can be expressed as ( cos(a – b) = cos a cos b + sin a sin b ) and is used to simplify calculations involving angles.

Trigonometric Expressions

Mathematical expressions that relate angles to the ratios of sides in a right triangle, such as sine, cosine, and tangent functions.

Angle Pairs

Two distinct angles measured from a common vertex that are used for comparing and computing trigonometric values, often denoted as ( a ) and ( b ) in this context.