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

A man spends 75% of his income and saves Rs. 600. What is his total income?

View Question

If x:y = 2:3 and z:y = 4:3, what is x:z?

View Question

A man rows downstream at 6 km/h and upstream at 4 km/h. What is the speed of the stream?

View Question

A rectangle has an area of 48 cm² and a length of 8 cm. What is its width?

View Question

If a cylinder has a radius of 7 cm and height of 10 cm, what is its volume?

View Question

If a + b = 10 and ab = 21, what is the value of a^2 + b^2?

View Question

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

View Question

The sides of a triangle are 13 cm, 14 cm, and 15 cm. What is its area?

View Question

What is the value of log₃(27)?

View Question

A train 150 m long passes a pole in 15 seconds. What is its speed?

View Question