Skip to content

Euler's Identity

Mathematics · FE Reference Handbook section

Mathematics
3 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~51 min
All Mathematics lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) — Euler's Identity

A surveyor applies a trigonometric identity to combine two bearing angles. Given angle A (A) = 45.0000 deg; angle B (B) = 28.0000 deg, determine the cos(A-B) (R).

Given

  • angleA(A)=45.0000degangle A (A) = 45.0000 deg
  • angleB(B)=28.0000degangle B (B) = 28.0000 deg

Find

cos(A-B) (R)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except R is given, so isolate R symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 1 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) — Euler's Identity

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for R:

    R=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡BR = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleA(A)=45.0000deg,angleB(B)=28.0000degList the givens: angle A (A) = 45.0000 deg, angle B (B) = 28.0000 deg
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    R=cos⁡45.0000cos⁡28.0000+sin⁡45.0000sin⁡28.0000R = \cos 45.0000 \cos 28.0000 + \sin 45.0000 \sin 28.0000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    R=0.9563R = 0.9563
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning R = 0.9563 to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
R=0.9563R = 0.9563

Why the other options are there

  • 1.9126 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.4782 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.0519 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 2
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle A — Euler's Identity (2)

An analyst uses a trig identity to simplify a phase-difference calculation. Given angle B (B) = 23.0000 deg; cos(A-B) (R) = 0.8710, determine the angle A (A) in deg.

Given

  • angleB(B)=23.0000degangle B (B) = 23.0000 deg
  • cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.8710\cos (A-B) (R) = 0.8710

Find

angle A (A), in deg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except A is given, so isolate A symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 2 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle A — Euler's Identity (2)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for A:

    A=B+cos⁡−1(R)A = B + \cos^{-1}(R)
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleB(B)=23.0000deg,cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.8710List the givens: angle B (B) = 23.0000 deg, \cos (A-B) (R) = 0.8710
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    A=23.0000+cos⁡−1(0.8710)A = 23.0000 + \cos^{-1}(0.8710)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    A=52.4249 degA = 52.4249\ \text{deg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning A = 52.4249 deg to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
A=52.4249 degA = 52.4249\ \text{deg}

Why the other options are there

  • 104.8 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 26.2125 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 57.6674 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 3
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle B — Euler's Identity (3)

A student verifies a trigonometric identity by substituting numeric angles. Given angle A (A) = 49.0000 deg; cos(A-B) (R) = 0.6510, determine the angle B (B) in deg.

Given

  • angleA(A)=49.0000degangle A (A) = 49.0000 deg
  • cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.6510\cos (A-B) (R) = 0.6510

Find

angle B (B), in deg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except B is given, so isolate B symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 3 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle B — Euler's Identity (3)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for B:

    B=A−cos⁡−1(R)B = A - \cos^{-1}(R)
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleA(A)=49.0000deg,cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.6510List the givens: angle A (A) = 49.0000 deg, \cos (A-B) (R) = 0.6510
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    B=49.0000−cos⁡−1(0.6510)B = 49.0000 - \cos^{-1}(0.6510)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    B=−0.3830 degB = -0.3830\ \text{deg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning B = -0.3830 deg to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
B=−0.3830 degB = -0.3830\ \text{deg}

Why the other options are there

  • -0.7659 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • -0.1915 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • -0.4213 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 4
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) (case 2) — Euler's Identity (4)

A surveyor applies a trigonometric identity to combine two bearing angles. Given angle A (A) = 44.0000 deg; angle B (B) = 33.0000 deg, determine the cos(A-B) (R).

Given

  • angleA(A)=44.0000degangle A (A) = 44.0000 deg
  • angleB(B)=33.0000degangle B (B) = 33.0000 deg

Find

cos(A-B) (R)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except R is given, so isolate R symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 4 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) (case 2) — Euler's Identity (4)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for R:

    R=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡BR = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleA(A)=44.0000deg,angleB(B)=33.0000degList the givens: angle A (A) = 44.0000 deg, angle B (B) = 33.0000 deg
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    R=cos⁡44.0000cos⁡33.0000+sin⁡44.0000sin⁡33.0000R = \cos 44.0000 \cos 33.0000 + \sin 44.0000 \sin 33.0000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    R=0.9816R = 0.9816
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning R = 0.9816 to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
R=0.9816R = 0.9816

Why the other options are there

  • 1.9633 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.4908 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.0798 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 5
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle A (case 2) — Euler's Identity (5)

An analyst uses a trig identity to simplify a phase-difference calculation. Given angle B (B) = 29.0000 deg; cos(A-B) (R) = 0.8550, determine the angle A (A) in deg.

Given

  • angleB(B)=29.0000degangle B (B) = 29.0000 deg
  • cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.8550\cos (A-B) (R) = 0.8550

Find

angle A (A), in deg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except A is given, so isolate A symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 5 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle A (case 2) — Euler's Identity (5)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for A:

    A=B+cos⁡−1(R)A = B + \cos^{-1}(R)
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleB(B)=29.0000deg,cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.8550List the givens: angle B (B) = 29.0000 deg, \cos (A-B) (R) = 0.8550
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    A=29.0000+cos⁡−1(0.8550)A = 29.0000 + \cos^{-1}(0.8550)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    A=60.2403 degA = 60.2403\ \text{deg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning A = 60.2403 deg to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
A=60.2403 degA = 60.2403\ \text{deg}

Why the other options are there

  • 120.5 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 30.1201 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 66.2643 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 6
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle B (case 2) — Euler's Identity (6)

A student verifies a trigonometric identity by substituting numeric angles. Given angle A (A) = 64.0000 deg; cos(A-B) (R) = 0.2910, determine the angle B (B) in deg.

Given

  • angleA(A)=64.0000degangle A (A) = 64.0000 deg
  • cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.2910\cos (A-B) (R) = 0.2910

Find

angle B (B), in deg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except B is given, so isolate B symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 6 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle B (case 2) — Euler's Identity (6)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for B:

    B=A−cos⁡−1(R)B = A - \cos^{-1}(R)
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleA(A)=64.0000deg,cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.2910List the givens: angle A (A) = 64.0000 deg, \cos (A-B) (R) = 0.2910
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    B=64.0000−cos⁡−1(0.2910)B = 64.0000 - \cos^{-1}(0.2910)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    B=−9.0822 degB = -9.0822\ \text{deg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning B = -9.0822 deg to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
B=−9.0822 degB = -9.0822\ \text{deg}

Why the other options are there

  • -18.1643 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • -4.5411 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • -9.9904 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 7
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) (case 3) — Euler's Identity (7)

A surveyor applies a trigonometric identity to combine two bearing angles. Given angle A (A) = 53.0000 deg; angle B (B) = 25.0000 deg, determine the cos(A-B) (R).

Given

  • angleA(A)=53.0000degangle A (A) = 53.0000 deg
  • angleB(B)=25.0000degangle B (B) = 25.0000 deg

Find

cos(A-B) (R)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except R is given, so isolate R symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 7 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) (case 3) — Euler's Identity (7)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for R:

    R=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡BR = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleA(A)=53.0000deg,angleB(B)=25.0000degList the givens: angle A (A) = 53.0000 deg, angle B (B) = 25.0000 deg
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    R=cos⁡53.0000cos⁡25.0000+sin⁡53.0000sin⁡25.0000R = \cos 53.0000 \cos 25.0000 + \sin 53.0000 \sin 25.0000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    R=0.8829R = 0.8829
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning R = 0.8829 to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
R=0.8829R = 0.8829

Why the other options are there

  • 1.7659 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.4415 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.9712 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 8
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle A (case 3) — Euler's Identity (8)

An analyst uses a trig identity to simplify a phase-difference calculation. Given angle B (B) = 15.0000 deg; cos(A-B) (R) = 0.2390, determine the angle A (A) in deg.

Given

  • angleB(B)=15.0000degangle B (B) = 15.0000 deg
  • cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.2390\cos (A-B) (R) = 0.2390

Find

angle A (A), in deg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except A is given, so isolate A symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 8 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle A (case 3) — Euler's Identity (8)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for A:

    A=B+cos⁡−1(R)A = B + \cos^{-1}(R)
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleB(B)=15.0000deg,cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.2390List the givens: angle B (B) = 15.0000 deg, \cos (A-B) (R) = 0.2390
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    A=15.0000+cos⁡−1(0.2390)A = 15.0000 + \cos^{-1}(0.2390)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    A=91.1725 degA = 91.1725\ \text{deg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning A = 91.1725 deg to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
A=91.1725 degA = 91.1725\ \text{deg}

Why the other options are there

  • 182.3 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 45.5862 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 100.3 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 9
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle B (case 3) — Euler's Identity (9)

A student verifies a trigonometric identity by substituting numeric angles. Given angle A (A) = 47.0000 deg; cos(A-B) (R) = 0.9680, determine the angle B (B) in deg.

Given

  • angleA(A)=47.0000degangle A (A) = 47.0000 deg
  • cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.9680\cos (A-B) (R) = 0.9680

Find

angle B (B), in deg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except B is given, so isolate B symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 9 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for angle B (case 3) — Euler's Identity (9)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for B:

    B=A−cos⁡−1(R)B = A - \cos^{-1}(R)
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleA(A)=47.0000deg,cos⁡(A−B)(R)=0.9680List the givens: angle A (A) = 47.0000 deg, \cos (A-B) (R) = 0.9680
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    B=47.0000−cos⁡−1(0.9680)B = 47.0000 - \cos^{-1}(0.9680)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    B=32.4663 degB = 32.4663\ \text{deg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning B = 32.4663 deg to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
B=32.4663 degB = 32.4663\ \text{deg}

Why the other options are there

  • 64.9325 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 16.2331 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 35.7129 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

Example 10
Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) (case 4) — Euler's Identity (10)

A surveyor applies a trigonometric identity to combine two bearing angles. Given angle A (A) = 75.0000 deg; angle B (B) = 27.0000 deg, determine the cos(A-B) (R).

Given

  • angleA(A)=75.0000degangle A (A) = 75.0000 deg
  • angleB(B)=27.0000degangle B (B) = 27.0000 deg

Find

cos(A-B) (R)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Trigonometric identities — angle difference.
  • Everything except R is given, so isolate R symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The trigonometric identity for the cosine of an angle difference relates A, B, and their combined cosine value.
AABCc = 8b = 6a = ?Angle identity geometry

Figure 10 — schematic for Trigonometric identities — angle difference — solve for cos(A-B) (case 4) — Euler's Identity (10)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for R:

    R=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡BR = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B
  3. Step 3

    Listthegivens:angleA(A)=75.0000deg,angleB(B)=27.0000degList the givens: angle A (A) = 75.0000 deg, angle B (B) = 27.0000 deg
  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    R=cos⁡75.0000cos⁡27.0000+sin⁡75.0000sin⁡27.0000R = \cos 75.0000 \cos 27.0000 + \sin 75.0000 \sin 27.0000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    R=0.6691R = 0.6691
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning R = 0.6691 to

    cos⁡(A−B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B+sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
R=0.6691R = 0.6691

Why the other options are there

  • 1.3383 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.3346 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.7360 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Trigonometric Identities

© 2026 Dr. Steve Efe. Civil Engineering Capstone Studio. All rights reserved.