Cosine of 150 Degrees

Theorem

$\cos 150 \degrees = \cos \dfrac {5 \pi} 6 = -\dfrac {\sqrt 3} 2$

where $\cos$ denotes cosine.


Proof

\(\ds \cos 150 \degrees\) \(=\) \(\ds \map \cos {90 \degrees + 60 \degrees}\)
\(\ds \) \(=\) \(\ds -\sin 60 \degrees\) Cosine of Angle plus Right Angle
\(\ds \) \(=\) \(\ds -\frac {\sqrt 3} 2\) Sine of $60 \degrees$

$\blacksquare$


Sources

  • 1968: Murray R. Spiegel: Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 5$: Trigonometric Functions: Exact Values for Trigonometric Functions of Various Angles