Question:medium

The value of \(cos(\frac{π}{5})\) is ...

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Let A = cos 36 and B = cos 72; their product is 1/4 and their difference is 1/2.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\frac{-1+\sqrt{5}}{4}\)
  • \(\frac{-1+\sqrt{5}}{2}\)
  • \(\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{4}\)
  • \(\frac{1-\sqrt{5}}{4}\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use Multiple Angles:
Let $\theta=36^{\circ}$ so $5\theta=180^{\circ}$ and $3\theta=180^{\circ}-2\theta$. Hence $\cos3\theta=-\cos2\theta$.

Step 2: Expand:
With $c=\cos\theta$: $4c^3-3c=-(2c^2-1)$, so $4c^3+2c^2-3c-1=0$. The value $c=-1$ satisfies it, so factor as $(c+1)(4c^2-2c-1)=0$.

Step 3: Solve:
From $4c^2-2c-1=0$: $c=\dfrac{1\pm\sqrt5}{4}$. The cosine of $36^{\circ}$ is positive, so $c=\dfrac{1+\sqrt5}{4}$. Option (C).

Final Answer:
Option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{(C) } \frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{4}} \]
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