Topic Details (Notes format)

How to Use the Law of Cosines in Any Triangle

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

The Law of Cosines extends the Pythagorean theorem to non-right triangles: c² = a² + b² – 2ab cos(C), where C is the angle opposite side c. If you know two sides and the included angle, you can find the third side; or if you know three sides, you can find an angle. For instance, if a=7, b=5, and angle C=60°, then c² = 7² + 5² – 2×7×5×cos(60°)= 49 + 25 – 70×0.5=49 + 25 – 35=39, so c=√39. This formula solves oblique triangles, essential in astronomy, land surveying, or advanced geometry proofs. Grasping the Law of Cosines complements the Law of Sines to solve any general triangle scenario.

Practice Questions

If the length of a rectangle is doubled and the width is halved, what is the change in area?

View Question

What is the probability of drawing an ace from a standard deck of 52 cards?

View Question

A cone has a base radius of 7 cm and height of 24 cm. What is its volume?

View Question

A sum of money doubles itself in 5 years at simple interest. What is the rate of interest?

View Question

If the average of five consecutive odd numbers is 25, what is the largest number?

View Question

How many diagonals does a pentagon have?

View Question

What is the area of a sector of a circle with radius 14 cm and central angle 90°?

View Question

If a person can type 45 words per minute, how many words can they type in 2 hours?

View Question

A sum of money triples itself in 12 years at simple interest. What is the rate of interest per annum?

View Question

A car covers a distance of 150 km in 2.5 hours. What is its average speed?

View Question