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LAW OF SINES
6.2
LAW OF COSINES
Introduction
Introduction
Oblique trianglestriangles that have no right angles.
Law of Sine
1. Two angles and any side (AAS or ASA)
2. Two sides and an angle opposite one of them
(SSA)
Law of Cosine
3. Three sides (SSS)
4. Two sides and their included angle (SAS)
Introduction
Introduction
Example 1 Solution
The third angle of the triangle is
A = 180 B C
= 180 29 102
= 49.
By the Law of Sines, you have
.
One solution: a b
Figure 6.4
10
Example 3 Solution
By the Law of Sines, you have
Reciprocal form
B is acute.
11
Example 3 Solution
contd
12
13
A is acute.
Area =
(base)(height) =
A is obtuse.
(c)(b sin A) =
bc sin A.
14
15
Figure 6.11
Solution:
17
Example 1 Solution
contd
18
Example 1 Solution
contd
Introduction
Do you see why it was wise to find the largest angle first in
Example 1? Knowing the cosine of an angle, you can
determine whether the angle is acute or obtuse. That is,
cos > 0
for
0 < < 90
Acute
cos < 0
for
Obtuse
Application
21
Figure 6.9
22
Example 7 Solution
Because lines BD and AC are parallel, it follows that
BCA CBD.
Consequently, triangle ABC has the measures shown in
Figure 6.10.
The measure of angle B is
180 52 40 = 88.
Using the Law of Sines,
Figure 6.10
23
Example 7 Solution
contd
Because b = 8,
and