Problem 66

Question

Use the half-angle formulas to simplify the expression. $$\sqrt{\frac{1+\cos 4 x}{2}}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The simplified expression of \(\sqrt{\frac{1+\cos 4 x}{2}}\) using the half-angle formula is \(\cos (2x)\).
1Step 1: Recall Half-Angle Formula
Recall the half-angle formula for cosine which is \(\cos (\theta/2) = \pm \sqrt{\frac{1+\cos \theta}{2}}\). This will be used to simplify the given expression.
2Step 2: Compare Given Expression with Half-Angle Formula
Notice that the given expression is in the form of the right-hand side of the half-angle identity. With \(\theta = 4x\) we have: \(4x/2 = 2x\) which will be used as the simplified version of the given expression.
3Step 3: Apply Half-Angle Formula
Applying the half-angle formula directly results in: \(\cos (2x)\).