Solution-ception

Algebra Level 4

If A A is the maximum value of

cos θ + cos θ + cos θ + cos θ + \displaystyle \sqrt { \cos { \theta } +\sqrt { \cos { \theta } +\sqrt { \cos { \theta } +\sqrt { \cos { \theta } +\dots } } } }

and B B is the maximum value of

sin θ + sin θ + sin θ + sin θ + , \displaystyle \sqrt { \sin { \theta } +\sqrt { \sin { \theta } +\sqrt { \sin { \theta } +\sqrt { \sin { \theta } +\dots } } } },

what is the value of 2 A B ? 2A-B?

Details and Assumptions

  • θ [ π 2 , π 2 ] \theta \in \left[-\frac{ \pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]

  • Round your answer to four significant figures.

You might also want to try Generalized infinite square roots , as it was the inspiration for this problem.


The answer is 1.618.

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1 solution

A A is maximum when cos θ \cos {\theta} is maximum that is cos θ = 0 \cos {\theta} = 0 , when θ = π 2 \theta = \frac {\pi} {2} .

Since the expression is infinite:

1 + A = A A 2 A 1 = 0 A = 1 + 5 2 = 1.618 \sqrt {1+ A} = A \quad \Rightarrow A^2 - A - 1 = 0\quad \Rightarrow A = \frac {1+\sqrt{5}}{2} = 1.618

Similarly, B = A = 1.618 2 A B = A = 1.618 B=A=1.618 \quad \Rightarrow 2A-B = A = \boxed{1.618}

@Chew-Seong Cheong , please take a second look at your answer! You've made a typo!! Anyway, you get an upvote :)

B.S.Bharath Sai Guhan - 6 years, 8 months ago

Sorry, it should be cos 0 = 1 \cos {0} = 1 but I guess you know what I mean. I am actual a cancer patient after chemotherapy and surgery. But I am going to survive for some time as it is only stage 1, and the treatments went well. Chemo affected my memory.

Chew-Seong Cheong - 6 years, 8 months ago

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Hope you recover soon.

Krishna Ar - 6 years, 8 months ago

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Thanks, I am doing fine.

Chew-Seong Cheong - 6 years, 8 months ago

I am so sorry..

Krishna Sharma - 6 years, 7 months ago

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