Precalculus (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 013421742X
ISBN 13: 978-0-13421-742-0

Chapter 7 - Trigonometric Identities and Equations - 7.4 Double-Angle and Half-Angle Identities - 7.4 Exercises - Page 693: 59

Answer

$\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{50-10\sqrt{5}}}{10}$

Work Step by Step

To apply the Half-Angle Identity, $\displaystyle \sin\frac{x}{2}=\pm\sqrt{\frac{1-\cos x}{2}}$, we need to determine the sign and find $\cos x$ With $0 < x < \displaystyle \frac{\pi}{2}\qquad/\div 2$ $0 < \displaystyle \frac{x}{2} < \frac{\pi}{4}$, we see that both $x $ and $\displaystyle \frac{x}{2}$ are in quadrant I. $\cos x$ is positive, $\displaystyle \sin\frac{x}{2}$ is positive. We find $\displaystyle \cos x=\frac{1}{\sec x}$ from the Pythagorean identity: $\sec^{2}x= \tan^{2}x+1=4+1=5$ $\sec x=\sqrt{5}$ $\displaystyle \cos x=\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}=\frac{\sqrt{5}}{5}$ So, $\displaystyle \sin\frac{x}{2}=+\sqrt{\frac{1-\frac{\sqrt{5}}{5}}{2}}=\sqrt{\frac{5-\sqrt{5}}{10}\cdot\frac{10}{10}}=\frac{\sqrt{50-10\sqrt{5}}}{10}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.