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Question

What is the value of cos (2 cos -1 0.8)?

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2016 GAT Previous Year Paper (17-Apr-2016)
The correct answer is

0.28

Understanding the Question: Evaluating a Trigonometric Expression

The question asks us to find the value of the expression cos (2 cos-1 0.8). This involves understanding inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric identities, specifically the double angle identity for cosine.

Step-by-Step Calculation of cos (2 cos⁻¹ 0.8)

Let's break down the expression to make it easier to solve.

  1. Define the inverse cosine term: Let $\theta = \cos^{-1} (0.8)$. This means that the cosine of the angle $\theta$ is 0.8. So, $\cos \theta = 0.8$.
  2. Rewrite the original expression: The original expression is $\cos (2 \cos^{-1} 0.8)$. Substituting $\theta = \cos^{-1} 0.8$, the expression becomes $\cos (2\theta)$.
  3. Apply the double angle identity for cosine: We need to find the value of $\cos (2\theta)$. One of the double angle identities for cosine is: $\cos (2\theta) = 2\cos^2 \theta - 1$
  4. Substitute the value of cos θ: We know that $\cos \theta = 0.8$. Substitute this value into the identity: $\cos (2\theta) = 2 \times (0.8)^2 - 1$
  5. Perform the calculation: First, calculate the square of 0.8: $(0.8)^2 = 0.8 \times 0.8 = 0.64$ Now, substitute this back into the expression: $\cos (2\theta) = 2 \times 0.64 - 1$ Multiply 2 by 0.64: $2 \times 0.64 = 1.28$ Finally, subtract 1: $1.28 - 1 = 0.28$

Thus, the value of $\cos (2 \cos^{-1} 0.8)$ is 0.28.

Revision Table: Key Trigonometric Concepts

Concept Definition/Formula
Inverse Cosine ($\cos^{-1} x$ or $\arccos x$) The angle $\theta$ such that $\cos \theta = x$. The principal value range is usually $[0, \pi]$.
Double Angle Identity for Cosine $\cos (2\theta) = \cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta$
$\cos (2\theta) = 2\cos^2 \theta - 1$
$\cos (2\theta) = 1 - 2\sin^2 \theta$

Additional Information on Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Inverse trigonometric functions, also known as arc functions, do the opposite of the standard trigonometric functions. For example, $\cos^{-1}(x)$ gives you the angle whose cosine is $x$. It's important to remember the domain and range of these functions.

  • For $\cos^{-1} x$:
    • Domain: $[-1, 1]$ (because the value of cosine is always between -1 and 1)
    • Range (Principal Value): $[0, \pi]$ (0 to 180 degrees)

In this problem, 0.8 is within the domain $[-1, 1]$, so $\cos^{-1} (0.8)$ is a valid angle within the range $[0, \pi]$. The double angle $2\theta$ might fall outside this range, but the cosine of any angle is always defined.

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