The value of the series $\cos 12^{\circ}+\cos 84^{\circ}$ $+\cos 132^{\circ}+\cos 156^{\circ}$ is

The value of the series $\cos 12^{\circ}+\cos 84^{\circ}$ $+\cos 132^{\circ}+\cos 156^{\circ}$ is
  1. $\frac{1}{2}$
  2. $\frac{1}{4}$
  3. $\frac{-1}{4}$
  4. $\frac{-1}{2}$

Solution

We have, $ \begin{aligned} & \cos 12^{\circ}+\cos 84^{\circ}+\cos 132^{\circ}+\cos 156^{\circ} \\ = & \cos 132^{\circ}+\cos 12^{\circ}+\cos 156^{\circ}+\cos 84^{\circ} \\ = & 2 \cos 72^{\circ} \cdot \cos 60^{\circ}+2 \cos 120^{\circ} \cdot \cos 36^{\circ} \\ = & 2\left(\frac{\sqrt{5}-1}{4}\right) \frac{1}{2}+2\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)\left(\frac{\sqrt{5}+1}{4}\right) \\ = & \frac{\sqrt{5}-1}{4}-\frac{\sqrt{5}+1}{4}=-\frac{2}{4} \\ = & -\frac{1}{2} \end{aligned} $

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2004

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