By what angle should the second polarized sheet be rotated relative to the first to reduce the transmitted intensity to one-half the intensity that was transmitted through both polarizing sheets when aligned

   θ  = 45º

Explanation:

The light that falls on the second polarized is polarized, therefore it is governed by the law of Maluz

              I = I₀ cos² θ

in the problem they ask us

            I = ½ I₀

let's look for the angles

             ½ I₀ = I₀ cos² θ

             cos θ  = √ ½ = 0.707

            θ  = cos 0.707

           θ  = 45º