Cos 60 Degrees

The value of cos 60° is 0.5. In radians, it can be expressed as cos(π/3) or approximately cos(1.047197).

Cos 60°

  • Decimal value: 0.5
  • Fraction: 1/2
  • Cos(-60 degrees): 0.5
  • In radians: cos(π/3) or cos(1.047197)

What is the Value of Cos 60 Degrees?

The decimal equivalent of cos 60 degrees is 0.5. The angle of 60 degrees can be converted to radians as π/3 or approximately 1.047197.

Using the degree to radian conversion:

60 degrees = 60° × (π/180°) = π/3 ≈ 1.047197

Therefore, cos 60° = cos (π/3) = 0.5

Explanation

The angle 60° is in the first quadrant where the cosine function is positive. Hence, cos 60° is 1/2 or 0.5.

Since cosine is a periodic function, cos 60 degrees can also be expressed as cos(60° + n × 360°) where n is an integer. For example, cos 420 degrees or cos 780 degrees yields the same value.

Additionally, cos(-60°) is equal to cos(60°) because cosine is an even function.

Methods to Find the Value of Cos 60 Degrees

In the first quadrant, the cosine function is positive. The cos 60° value is provided as 0.5. The value of cos 60 degrees can be found by:

  • Using trigonometric functions
  • Utilizing the unit circle

Cos 60 Degrees Using the Unit Circle

Using the unit circle, find the value of cos 60 degrees:
Anticlockwise rotate 'r' to produce a 60° angle with the positive x-axis.
The x-coordinate(0.5) at the point of intersection (0.5, 0.866) of the unit circle and r equals the cos of 60 degrees.
As a result, cos 60° = x = 0.5.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cos 60 Degrees