Determining the constructability of angles

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The discussion centers on the constructability of angles 6 degrees, 5 degrees, and 7.5 degrees, which hinges on whether their cosine values are constructible. The user attempts to establish a relationship using the trigonometric identity for cos(3θ) but struggles to find a straightforward solution for 6 degrees. They express frustration over the complexity of higher-level trigonometric identities and their inability to simplify the problem. The conversation also touches on the constructibility of angles derived from polygons, noting that if certain angles like 72 degrees are constructible, then related angles like 36 degrees and 30 degrees are also constructible. Overall, the user is seeking clarity on the constructability of the specified angles.
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Are 6 degrees, 5 degrees, and 7.5 degrees constructable?

So based on the theorems that I know, these angles are constructable iff the cos\vartheta is constructible. So all that is left for me to do is show if cos\vartheta is constructable.

For 6 degrees, I tried to get a relatonship with the trig identity of cos(3\vartheta) = 4cos3(\vartheta) - 3cos(\vartheta) because from there I could use the fact that if I can obtain a solution of the 3rd degree polynomial, then based on the rational roots theorem I could determine if the angle is constructible. My issue is, I couldn't find a simple relationship for 6degrees. I tried some higher level trig identities and "attempted" to simplify, but it started to appear futile.

So now I'm at a cross roads. Same with the other two.
 
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trap101 said:
Are 6 degrees, 5 degrees, and 7.5 degrees constructable?

So based on the theorems that I know, these angles are constructable iff the cos\vartheta is constructible. So all that is left for me to do is show if cos\vartheta is constructable.

For 6 degrees, I tried to get a relatonship with the trig identity of cos(3\vartheta) = 4cos3(\vartheta) - 3cos(\vartheta) because from there I could use the fact that if I can obtain a solution of the 3rd degree polynomial, then based on the rational roots theorem I could determine if the angle is constructible. My issue is, I couldn't find a simple relationship for 6degrees. I tried some higher level trig identities and "attempted" to simplify, but it started to appear futile.

So now I'm at a cross roads. Same with the other two.

Think about polygons that have constructible angles. A pentagon is constructible. That means 72 degrees is constructible. If that's constructible then 36 degrees is also constructible. Why? 30 degrees is also constructible. Why? That would mean 36-30 is also constructible. Why?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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