GRADE 9 MATHEMATICS

QUARTER 4
Module 7
May 2014
Triangle Trigonometry
MO DUL E 7

Ma y 2 0 , 2 0 1 4
Lesson 1 The Six Trigonometric Ratios: Sine,
Cosine, Tangent, Cosecant, Secant, and Cotangent

In a right triangle, one of the

angles measures 90𝑜 , and the B
remaining two angles are acute and
complementary. The longest side of a c Hypotenuse
right triangle is known as the Side Opposite a
hypotenuse and is opposite the right
angle. The other two sides are called C A
b
legs. The leg that is a side of an acute Side Adjacent
angle is called the side adjacent to the
angle. The other leg is the side
opposite the angle.

3
Lesson 1 The Six Trigonometric Ratios: Sine,
Cosine, Tangent, Cosecant, Secant, and Cotangent

If two angles of a triangle are congruent to two angles of another

triangle, the triangles are similar. If an acute angle of one right triangle is
congruent to an acute angle of another right triangle, the triangles are
similar, and the ratios of the corresponding sides are equal. Therefore, any
two congruent angles of different right triangles will have equal ratios
associated with them.
The ratios of the sides of the right triangles can be used to define the
trigonometric ratios. The ratio of the side opposite 𝜃 and the hypotenuse is
known as the sine. The ratio of the side adjacent 𝜃 and the hypotenuse is
known as the cosine. The ratio of the side opposite 𝜃 and the side adjacent 𝜃
is known as the tangent.

4
Lesson 1 The Six Trigonometric Ratios: Sine,
Cosine, Tangent, Cosecant, Secant, and Cotangent

Words Symbol Definition

B
Trigonometric sine 𝜃 sin 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
sin 𝜃 =
Ratios ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 c Hypotenuse
Side Opposite a
cosine 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
cos 𝜃 =
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒
C A
tangent 𝜃 tan 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 b
tan 𝜃 = Side Adjacent
𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

SOH-CAH-TOA is a mnemonic device commonly used for remembering

these ratios.
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
sin 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 =
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

5
Lesson 1 The Six Trigonometric Ratios: Sine,
Cosine, Tangent, Cosecant, Secant, and Cotangent
In addition to the trigonometric ratios sine, cosine, and tangent, there are
three other trigonometric ratios called cosecant, secant, and cotangent.
These ratios are the reciprocals of sine, cosine, and tangent, respectively.
Words Symbol Definition B
Reciprocal cosecant 𝜃 csc 𝜃 1 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒
𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝜃 = 𝑜𝑟
Trigonometric sin 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 c Hypotenuse
Ratios secant 𝜃 sec 𝜃 1 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒
Side Opposite a
sec 𝜃 = 𝑜𝑟
cos 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
C A
cotangent 𝜃 cot 𝜃 1 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 b
cot 𝜃 = 𝑜𝑟 Side Adjacent
tan 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒

These definitions are called the reciprocal identities.

CHO-SHA-CAO is a mnemonic device commonly used for remembering these ratios.
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
csc 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 = cot 𝜃 =
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
6
Lesson 2 Trigonometric Ratios of Special Angles

Consider the special relationships among the sides

of 30 𝑜 - 60 𝑜 - 90 𝑜 and 45 𝑜 - 45 𝑜 - 90 𝑜 triangles.

45𝑜
60𝑜 y 2
2x y
x

30𝑜 45𝑜
x 3 y

These special relationships can be used to

determine the trigonometric ratios for 30 𝑜 , 45 𝑜 , and 60 𝑜 .

7
Lesson 2 Trigonometric Ratios of Special Angles
45𝑜
60𝑜 y 2
2x y
x

30𝑜 45𝑜
x 3 y
Activity
Complete the table below that summarizes the values of the trigonometric
ratios of the angles 30𝑜 , 45𝑜 , and 60𝑜 .
𝜽 sin 𝜽 cos 𝜽 tan 𝜽 csc 𝜽 sec 𝜽 cot 𝜽
30𝑜
45𝑜
60𝑜
8
Lesson 2 Trigonometric Ratios of Special Angles

Answers:
𝜽 sin 𝜽 cos 𝜽 tan 𝜽 csc 𝜽 sec 𝜽 cot 𝜽

30𝑜 1 3 3 2 2 3 3
2 2 3 3
45𝑜 2 2 1 2 2 1
2 2
60𝑜 3 1 3 2 3 2 3
2 2 3 3

9
Lesson 2 Trigonometric Ratios of Special Angles

𝜽 sin 𝜽 cos 𝜽 tan 𝜽 csc 𝜽 sec 𝜽 cot 𝜽

30𝑜 1 3 3 2 2 3 3
2 2 3 3
45𝑜 2 2 1 2 2 1
2 2
60𝑜 3 1 3 2 3 2 3
2 2 3 3

Notice that sin 30𝑜 = cos 60𝑜 and cos 30𝑜 = sin 60𝑜 . This is an example
showing that the sine and cosine are cofunctions. That is, if 𝜃 is an
acute angle, sin 𝜃= cos (90𝑜 −𝜃). Similar relationships hold true for
the other trigonometric ratios.

10
Lesson 2 Trigonometric Ratios of Special Angles
𝜽 sin 𝜽 cos 𝜽 tan 𝜽 csc 𝜽 sec 𝜽 cot 𝜽
30𝑜 1 3 3 2 2 3 3
2 2 3 3
45𝑜 2 2 1 2 2 1
2 2
60𝑜 3 1 3 2 3 2 3
2 2 3 3

sin 𝜃= cos (90𝑜 −𝜃) cos 𝜃= s𝐢𝐧 (90𝑜 −𝜃)

Cofunctions tan 𝜃= cot (90𝑜 −𝜃) cot 𝜃= tan (90𝑜 −𝜃)

sec 𝜃= csc (90𝑜 −𝜃) csc 𝜃= sec (90𝑜 −𝜃)

11
Lesson 3 Angles of Elevation and Angles of Depression

There are many applications that

require trigonometric solutions.
For example, surveyors use
special instruments to find the
measures of angles of elevation
and angles of depression.

12
Lesson 3 Angles of Elevation and Angles of Depression

An angle of elevation is the

angle between a horizontal
line and the line of sight from
an observer to an object at a
higher level.

13
Lesson 3 Angles of Elevation and Angles of Depression

An angle of depression is the

angle between a horizontal
line and the line of sight from
the observer to an object at a
lower level.

14
Lesson 3 Angles of Elevation and Angles of Depression

The angle of elevation and the

angle of depression are equal
in measure because they are
alternate interior angles.

15
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Trigonometric functions can be used

to solve word problems involving right
triangles. The most common functions
used are the sine, cosine, and
tangent.

Moreover, you can use trigonometric

functions and inverse relations to
solve right triangles. To solve a
triangle means to find all the
measures of its sides and angles.
Usually, two measures are given. Then
you can find the remaining measures.
16
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Example 1. A ladder is 12 feet long.

a) If the ladder is placed against a wall so that its

base is 2 feet from the wall, find, to the nearest
degree, the acute angle the ladder makes with
the ground.

b) Suppose the base of the ladder is 𝑥 feet from the

wall. Find an expression for 𝜃 , the angle the
ladder makes with the ground.

17
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Example 1. A ladder is 12 feet long.

a) If the ladder is placed against a wall so that its base

is 2 feet from the wall, find, to the nearest degree,
the acute angle the ladder makes with the ground.

Solution.
2
cos 𝜃 =
12
1
𝜃= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1
6
𝜃 ≈ 80 𝑜

18
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Example 1. A ladder is 12 feet long.

b) Suppose the base of the ladder is 𝑥 feet from the

wall. Find an expression for 𝜃 , the angle the ladder
makes with the ground.

Solution.
𝑥
cos 𝜃 =
12
𝑥
𝜃= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1
12

19
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Example 2. Latashi and Markashi are flying kites on

a windy day. Latashi has released 250
feet of string, and Markashi has
released 225 feet of string. The angle
that Latashi’s kite string makes with
the horizontal is 35 𝑜 . The angle that
Markashi’s kite string makes with the
horizontal is 42 𝑜 . Which kite is higher
and by how much?

20
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Solution.

For Latashi’s kite:

ℎ
sin 35 𝑜 =
250 𝑓𝑡
250 ft
Height = ? ℎ = 250 𝑓𝑡 sin 35 𝑜
ℎ = 143.3941091 𝑓𝑡
35𝑜

Latashi’s kite has a height about 143.39 ft.

21
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Solution.

For Markashi’s kite:

ℎ
sin 42 𝑜 =
225 𝑓𝑡
225 ft
Height = ? ℎ = 225 𝑓𝑡 sin 42 𝑜
ℎ = 150.5543864 𝑓𝑡
42𝑜

Markashi’s kite has a height about 150.55 ft.

22
Lesson 4 Word Problems Involving Right Triangles

Solution.

Let’s subtract the height of Markashi’s kite and the

height of Latashi’s kite.

150.5543864 𝑓𝑡 − 143.3941091 𝑓𝑡 = 7.160277343 𝑓𝑡

Markashi’s kite is higher than Latashi’s kite by about

7.16 ft.

23
Lesson 5 Oblique Triangles

Trigonometry enables sides and angle

measures to be found in triangles
other than right triangles.
An oblique triangle is one that does
not contain a right angle.
Oblique triangles may be classified
into two---acute and obtuse.
An acute triangle is one that has
three acute angles.
An obtuse triangle is one that has
one obtuse angle.
24
Lesson 5 Oblique Triangles
Activity
Identify the acute and obtuse triangles.

25
Lesson 5 Oblique Triangles
Activity
Identify the acute and obtuse triangles.

26
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

Law of Sines
Let ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 be any triangle with 𝑎 , 𝑏, and
𝑐 representing the measures of the sides
opposite the angles with measures 𝐴, 𝐵 ,
and 𝐶 , respectively.
Then, the following are true.
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶
= =
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
= =
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶

27
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

From geometry, you know that a unique triangle can be formed

if you know

a) the measures of two angles and the included side (ASA) or

b) the measures of two angles and the non-included side (AAS).

Therefore, there is one unique solution when you use the Law
of Sines to solve a triangle given the measures two angles and
one side.

28
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

From geometry, you know that

c) the measures of two sides and a non-included angle (SSA)

do not necessarily define a unique triangle. However, one
of the following will be true.
1. No triangle exists.
2. Exactly one triangle exists.
3. Two triangles exist.

In other words, there may be no solution, one solution, or two

solutions. A situation with two solutions is called the ambiguous case.

29
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications
Suppose you know the
measures 𝑎 , 𝑏 , and 𝐴 .
Consider the following cases.

30
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

ASA Case

Example 1. Cartography To draw a map,

𝑍
a cartographer needed to find
the distances between point 𝑍
across the lake and each of
point 𝑋 and 𝑌 on another side.
The cartographer found
𝑋𝑌 ≈ 0.3 miles, 𝑚∠𝑋 ≈ 50 𝑜 , 𝑋 𝑌
and 𝑚∠𝑌 ≈ 100 𝑜 . Find the
distances from 𝑋 to 𝑍 and from
𝑌 to 𝑍.
31
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

ASA Example 1
Solution.
𝑚∠𝑍 ≈ 180 𝑜 − 100 𝑜 − 50 𝑜 ≈ 30 𝑜
𝑍
sin 100 𝑜 sin 30 𝑜
=
𝑋𝑍 0.3
𝑋𝑍 ∙ sin 30 𝑜 = 0.3 ∙ sin 100 𝑜
0.3 sin 100 𝑜 50𝑜 100𝑜 𝑌
𝑋𝑍 = 𝑋
0.3 mi
sin 30 𝑜

𝑋𝑍 ≈ 0.59
The distance from 𝑋 to 𝑍 is about
0.59 miles.
32
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

ASA Example 1 (Continuation)

Solution.
𝑚∠𝑍 ≈ 180 𝑜 − 100 𝑜 − 50 𝑜 ≈ 30 𝑜
𝑍
sin 50 𝑜 sin 30 𝑜
=
𝑌𝑍 0.3
Y𝑍 ∙ sin 30 𝑜 = 0.3 ∙ sin 50 𝑜
𝑋 50𝑜 100𝑜 𝑌
0.3 sin 50 𝑜 0.3 mi
Y𝑍 =
sin 30 𝑜

Y𝑍 ≈ 0.46
The distance from 𝑌 to 𝑍 is about
0.46 miles.
33
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

AAS Case

Example 2. A hill slopes upward at an angle of 5 𝑜 with the

horizontal. A tree grows vertically on the hill.
When the angle of elevation of the sun is 30 𝑜 ,
the tree casts a shadow downhill that is 32
meters long. If the shadow is entirely on the
hill, how tall is the tree?

34
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

AAS Case (Illustration)

Example 2. A hill slopes upward at an angle of 5 𝑜 with the

horizontal. A tree grows vertically on the hill.
When the angle of elevation of the sun is 30 𝑜 ,
the tree casts a shadow downhill that is 32
meters long. If the shadow is entirely on the
hill, how tall is the tree?

35
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

AAS Example 2
Solution.
a) Right Triangle Involving the Hill
Alone
𝑚∠3𝑟𝑑 = 180 𝑜 − 90 𝑜 − 5 𝑜 = 85 𝑜
b) Right Triangle Involving the Tree
𝑚∠3𝑟𝑑 = 180 𝑜 − 90 𝑜 − 30 𝑜 = 60 𝑜
c) Straight Angle Involving the Hill
and Tree
180 𝑜 − 85 𝑜 = 95 𝑜
d) Oblique Triangle Above the Hill
𝑚∠3𝑟𝑑 = 180 𝑜 − 95 𝑜 − 60 𝑜 = 25 𝑜
36
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

AAS Example 2 (Continuation)

Solution.
sin 25 𝑜 sin 60 𝑜
=
𝑡 32
t ∙ sin 60 𝑜 = 32 ∙ sin 25 𝑜
32 sin 25 𝑜
t=
sin 60 𝑜

t ≈ 15.6

The tree is about 15.6 meters tall.

37
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

SSA Case

Let’s have to cases.

a) Case 1: 𝐴 < 90 𝑜
b) Case 2: 𝐴 ≥ 90 𝑜
Example 3. Determine the number of possible solutions for
each triangle.
a) 𝐴 = 30𝑜 , 𝑎 = 8, 𝑏 = 10
b) 𝑏 = 8, 𝑐 = 10, 𝐵 = 118𝑜

38
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

SSA Case
Example 3. Determine the number
of possible solutions
for each triangle.

a) 𝐴 = 30 𝑜 , 𝑎 = 8, 𝑏 = 10
Since 30 𝑜 < 90 𝑜 , consider Case 1.

𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 = 10 sin 30 𝑜
𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 = 10 0.5
𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 = 5

Since 5 < 8 < 10 , there are two

solutions for the triangle.
39
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

SSA Case (Continuation)

Example 3. Determine the number of

possible solutions for
each triangle.

b) 𝑏 = 8, 𝑐 = 10, 𝐵 = 118 𝑜
Since 118 𝑜 ≥ 90 𝑜 , consider Case 2.

In this triangle, 8 ≤ 10 , so there

are no solutions.

40
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications
SSA Case
Once you have determined that there is/are one or two solution(s)
for a triangle given the measures of two sides and a non-included
angle, you can use the Law of Sines to solve the triangle.
Example 4. Find all solutions for the triangle. If no
solutions exist, write none.

𝐴 = 51 𝑜 , 𝑎 = 40, 𝑐 = 50

Since 51 𝑜 < 90 𝑜 , consider Case 1.

𝑐 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 = 50 sin 51 𝑜
𝑐 sin 𝐴 ≈ 38.85729807

Since 38.9 < 40 < 50 , there are two solutions

for the triangle.
41
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications
Solution.
Use the Law of Sines to find 𝐶 .
𝑎 𝑐
=
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐶
SSA Case
40 50
Example 4 (Continuation) =
sin 51𝑜 sin 𝐶

Given: 40 ∙ sin 𝐶 = 50 ∙ sin 51 𝑜

𝐴 = 51 𝑜 , 𝑎 = 40, 𝑐 = 50 50 sin 51𝑜
sin 𝐶 =
40

50 sin 51𝑜
𝐶 = sin −1
40

C ≈ 76.27180414 𝑜
42
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

SSA Case
Example 4 (Continuation)

So, 𝐶 ≈ 76.3 𝑜 . Since we know there are two solutions, there

must be another possible measurement for 𝐶 .

In the second case, 𝐶 must be less than 180 𝑜 and have the
same sine value.

Since we know that if 𝛼 < 90 𝑜 , sin 𝛼 = sin 180 𝑜 − 𝛼 , 180 𝑜 −

76.3 𝑜 or 103.7 𝑜 is another possible measure for 𝐶 .

43
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications
SSA Case Example 4 (Continuation)
Now solve the triangle for each possible measure of 𝐶 .
Solution I.
𝐵 ≈ 180 𝑜 − 51 𝑜 + 76.3 𝑜
𝐵 ≈ 52.7 𝑜
𝑎 𝑏 B
=
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵
40 𝑏
= 50 40
sin 51𝑜 sin 52.7 𝑜
51𝑜 76.3𝑜
b sin 51 𝑜 ≈ 40 ∙ sin 52.7 𝑜 A C
b
40 sin 52.7 𝑜
b≈
sin 51𝑜

𝑏 ≈ 40.94332444
One solution is 𝐵 ≈ 52.7 𝑜 , 𝐶 ≈ 76.3 𝑜 , and 𝑏 ≈ 40.9.
44
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications
SSA Case Example 4 (Continuation)
Solution II.
𝐵 ≈ 180 𝑜 − 51 𝑜 + 103.7 𝑜
𝐵 ≈ 25.3 𝑜
𝑎 𝑏 B
=
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵
40 𝑏
= 51𝑜
50
40
sin 51𝑜 sin 25.3 𝑜

b sin 51 𝑜 ≈ 40 ∙ sin 25.3 𝑜 A

103.7𝑜 C
b
40 sin 25.3 𝑜
b≈
sin 51𝑜

𝑏 ≈ 21.99627275
Another solution is 𝐵 ≈ 25.3 𝑜 , 𝐶 ≈ 103.7 𝑜 , and 𝑏 ≈ 22.0.
45
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications
The area of any triangle can be expressed in
terms of two sides of a triangle and the C
measure of the included angle.
a
Suppose you know the measures of 𝐴𝐶 and 𝐴𝐵 b
and the measure of the included angle ∠𝐴 in
∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 . h

A c B
Let 𝐾 represent the measure of the area of
∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 , and let ℎ represent the measure of the
1 ℎ
altitude from 𝐵 . Then 𝐾 = 𝑏ℎ . But, sin 𝐴 =
2 𝑐
or ℎ = 𝑐 sin 𝐴 . If you substitute 𝑐 sin 𝐴 for ℎ ,
the result is the following formula.
1
𝐾 = 𝑏𝑐 sin 𝐴
2 46
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications
If you drew altitudes from A and C, you could also
develop two similar formulas.
Area of Triangles
Let ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 be any triangle with 𝑎 , 𝑏 , and 𝑐
representing the measures of the sides opposite
the angles with measurements 𝐴 , 𝐵 , and 𝐶 ,
respectively. Then the area 𝐾 can be determined
using one of the following formulas. C
1
𝐾 = 𝑏𝑐 sin 𝐴
2 a
b
1
𝐾 = 𝑎𝑐 sin 𝐵
2 h
1 c B
𝐾 = 𝑎𝑏 sin 𝐶 A
2
47
Lesson 5.1 The Law of Sines and Its Applications

Example 5. Find the area of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 if 𝑎 =

4.7 , 𝑐 = 12.4 , and 𝐵 =
47 𝑜 20 ′ .
C
1
𝐾 = 𝑎𝑐 sin 𝐵
2
4.7
1
𝐾= 4.7 12.4 sin 47 𝑜 20 ′ 47𝑜 20′
2 B A
12.4
𝐾 ≈ 21.42690449

The area of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 is about 21.4 square

units.

48
 Deriving the Law of Cosines C
h  b sin A
k  b cos A b h a

• Write an equation
using Pythagorean k c-k
A B
theorem for shaded
triangle. c

a 2  b sin A  c  b cos A
2 2

a 2  b 2 sin 2 A  c 2  2bc cos A  b 2 cos 2 A

 
a 2  b 2 sin 2 A  cos 2 A  c 2  2bc cos A
a 2  b 2  c 2  2bc cos A 49
Law of Cosines
• Similarly

a  b  c  2bc cos A
2 2 2

b  a  c  2ac cos B
2 2 2

c  a  b  2ab cos C
2 2 2

• Note the pattern

50
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

Law of Cosines

Let ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 be any triangle with 𝑎 , 𝑏, and

𝑐 representing the measures of the sides A
opposite the angles with measures 𝐴, 𝐵 ,
and 𝐶 , respectively.
Then, the following are true. c
h
b

𝑐 2 = 𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑏 cos 𝐶
a-x x
B C
D
𝑏2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐2 − 2𝑎𝑐 cos 𝐵
a

𝑎 2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 cos 𝐴

51
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

From geometry, you know that a unique triangle can be formed

if

a) the measures of two sides and an included angle are known

(SAS) or

b) the measures of three sides of a triangle are known and the

sum of any two measures is greater than the remaining
measure (SSS).

52
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

SAS Case

Example 1. Landscaping Suppose you want

to fence a triangular lot as shown
102𝑜
at the right. If two sides measure
84 ft 78 ft
84 feet and 78 feet and the angle
between the two sides is 102 𝑜 ,
what is the length of the fence to
the nearest foot?

53
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

SAS Example 1
Solution.
𝑐 2 = 𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑏𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶
𝑐 2 = 84 2 + 78 2 − 2 84 78 𝑐𝑜𝑠 102 𝑜
𝑐 2 = 7056 + 6084 + 2724.47496
102𝑜
𝑐 2 = 15864.4748 84 ft 78 ft

𝑐 ≈ 125.9542568 𝑓𝑡
Let’s add the three lengths.

84 𝑓𝑡 + 78 𝑓𝑡 + 125.95 𝑓𝑡 ≈ 288 𝑓𝑡
The length of the fence is about 288 ft.
54
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

SSS Case

Example 2. The sides of a triangle are 18 inches, 21 inches,

and 14 inches. Find the measure of the angle
with the greatest measure.

55
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

SSS Case (Continuation)

Example 2. The sides of a triangle are 18 inches, 21 inches,

and 14 inches. Find the measure of the angle
with the greatest measure.

21 in
18 in

14 in

56
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

Formulas in Finding for the Angles

𝑎2 + 𝑏2 − 𝑐 2
𝐶 = cos −1
2𝑎𝑏

𝑎2 + 𝑐2 − 𝑏2
𝐵 = cos −1
2𝑎𝑐

𝑏2 + 𝑐2 − 𝑎2
𝐴 = cos −1
2𝑏𝑐

57
Lesson 5.2 The Law of Cosines and Its Applications

SSS Example 2 (Continuation )

Solution.
2 2 2
𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑐
𝐶 = cos −1
2𝑎𝑏
14 2 +18 2 −212
𝐶 = cos −1 21 in
18 in
2 14 18
∠ with the greatest
196+324−441
𝐶 = cos −1 measure
504
14 in
79
𝐶 = cos −1
504

𝐶 ≈ 80.98192557 𝑜

The largest angle has a measure about

81 𝑜 .
58
 References
Holliday, B. et al. (2004) Glencoe ADVANCED
Mathematical Concepts. The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc., United States of America

Senk, S. et al. (1998) UCSMP Functions, Statistics,

and Trigonometry. Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.,
United States of America

Website Link for Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geDSwx2TuiE

59
 Website Links for Images
1 . h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o g l e . c o m . p h / s e a r c h ? q = a n g l e s + o f + e l e v a t i o n + a n d + d e p r e s s i o n & s o u r c e = l n m s & t b m = i s c
h & s a = X & e i = h - l x U 9 v o O Y O l l Q X K 6 I H Y B Q & s q i = 2 & v e d = 0 C AY Q _ A U o A Q & b i w = 1 2 5 2 & b i h = 5 5 5
2 . h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o g l e . c o m . p h / s e a r c h ? q = a n g l e s + o f + e l e v a t i o n + a n d + d e p r e s s i o n & s o u r c e = l n m s & t b m = i s c
h&sa=X&ei=h-
l x U 9 v o O Y O l l Q X K 6 I H Y B Q & s q i = 2 & v e d = 0 C AY Q _ A U o A Q & b i w = 1 2 5 2 & b i h = 5 5 5 # q = s o l v i n g + r i g h t + t r i a n g l e s & t
bm=isch
3 . h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o g l e . c o m . p h / s e a r c h ? q = a n g l e s + o f + e l e v a t i o n + a n d + d e p r e s s i o n & s o u r c e = l n m s & t b m = i s c
h&sa=X&ei=h-
l x U 9 v o O Y O l l Q X K 6 I H Y B Q & s q i = 2 & v e d = 0 C AY Q _ A U o A Q & b i w = 1 2 5 2 & b i h = 5 5 5 # q = o b l i q u e + t r i a n g l e s & t b m = i
sch
4 . h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o g l e . c o m . p h / s e a r c h ? q = a n g l e s + o f + e l e v a t i o n + a n d + d e p r e s s i o n & s o u r c e = l n m s & t b m = i s c
h&sa=X&ei=h-
l x U 9 v o O Y O l l Q X K 6 I H Y B Q & s q i = 2 & v e d = 0 C AY Q _ A U o A Q & b i w = 1 2 5 2 & b i h = 5 5 5 # q = a c u t e + t r i a n g l e s + i n + t h e + r
eal+world&tbm=isch
5 . h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o g l e . c o m . p h / s e a r c h ? q = a n g l e s + o f + e l e v a t i o n + a n d + d e p r e s s i o n & s o u r c e = l n m s & t b m = i s c
h&sa=X&ei=h-
l x U 9 v o O Y O l l Q X K 6 I H Y B Q & s q i = 2 & v e d = 0 C AY Q _ A U o A Q & b i w = 1 2 5 2 & b i h = 5 5 5 # q = o b t u s e + t r i a n g l e s + i n + t h e +
real+world&tbm=isch
6 . h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o g l e . c o m . p h / s e a r c h ? q = a n g l e s + o f + e l e v a t i o n + a n d + d e p r e s s i o n & s o u r c e = l n m s & t b m = i s c
h&sa=X&ei=h-
l x U 9 v o O Y O l l Q X K 6 I H Y B Q & s q i = 2 & v e d = 0 C AY Q _ A U o A Q & b i w = 1 2 5 2 & b i h = 5 5 5 # q = l a w + o f + s i n e s & t b m = i s c h

60
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