Proving that \sec \frac{\pi}{30}=\sqrt{2-\sqrt5+\sqrt{15-6\sqrt5}} which I instantly wante

Franco Franco

Franco Franco

Answered question

2022-01-23

Proving that secπ30=25+1565
which I instantly wanted to prove.
I know that I can "reduce" the problem to the evaluation of cosπ15, as the rest is easy with the use of the half-angle formula.
I know that cos obeys the nice relation
cosnx=Tn(cosx)
where
Tn(x)=n2k=0|n2|(1)knk(nkk)(2x)n2k
Thus, setting t=cosπ15,
T15(t)=1
The only thing left to do is solve for t. We can narrow down our search to the values 0<t<1.
I have never dealt with degree-15 polynomials before, so I was hoping one of you could help me out.

Answer & Explanation

Madelyn Townsend

Madelyn Townsend

Beginner2022-01-24Added 13 answers

Another way:
cos6=+1+cos122
cos(3018)=?
Use Exact Value to find cos18,sin18

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