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Multiple Choice
Find the exact value of the expression. cos80°cos20°+sin80°sin20°
A
−21
B
0
C
21
D
23
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recognize that the given expression cos(80°)cos(20°) + sin(80°)sin(20°) resembles the trigonometric identity for cos(a - b), which is cos(a - b) = cos(a)cos(b) + sin(a)sin(b).
Identify the values of a and b in the expression. Here, a = 80° and b = 20°.
Substitute these values into the identity: cos(80° - 20°) = cos(80°)cos(20°) + sin(80°)sin(20°).
Simplify the expression inside the cosine function: 80° - 20° = 60°.
Conclude that the expression simplifies to cos(60°). Use the known value of cos(60°) = 1/2 to verify the result if needed.