Stage 25 · Trigonometry

25.7.2 The Law of Cosines

25.7 Solving Triangles: The Laws of Sines and Cosines

Point 2 of 5

25.7.2 The Law of Cosines

Core idea

This is the Pythagorean theorem leveled up: when the angle isn't a right angle, c²=a²+b²-2ab·cosC adds the correction for being 'slanted'.

Module goal. We extend trig functions from the right triangle to any triangle, using the two great laws to convert freely between sides and angles, wrapping up this stage and handing the next, Sequences, a foundation of measurable relationships.
eastmath.com · 25.7 Solving Triangles: The Laws of Sines and Cosines · 25.7.2 The Law of Cosines