SOLUTION: What is the exact value of sin^2 pi/6 -2 sin pi/6 cos pi/6 + cos^2 (-pi/6)? The answer I got is 2 + sqrt3/2. Did I do it right. This question is driving me crazy the other answer

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: What is the exact value of sin^2 pi/6 -2 sin pi/6 cos pi/6 + cos^2 (-pi/6)? The answer I got is 2 + sqrt3/2. Did I do it right. This question is driving me crazy the other answer       Log On


   



Question 279377: What is the exact value of sin^2 pi/6 -2 sin pi/6 cos pi/6 + cos^2 (-pi/6)?
The answer I got is 2 + sqrt3/2. Did I do it right. This question is driving me crazy the other answer I got was 2 - sqrt3?? Help please cause I'm obviously doing something wrong.

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
pi/6 is 30º

cos(30) = cos(-30) = [sqrt(3)] / 2

sin(30) = 1 / 2

(1/2)^2 - 2[(1/2)((sqrt(3))/2)] + [(sqrt(3)) / 2]^2

(1/4) - [(sqrt(3)) / 2] + (3/4)

1 - [(sqrt(3)) / 2] ___ or ___ [2 - sqrt(3)] / 2