Mathematics 9

Quarter 4
Module 16
Solving Oblique Triangles:
Law of Cosines
Mathematics – Grade 9
Quarter 4 – Module 16: Solving Oblique Triangles: Law of Cosines
First Edition, 2020

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Mathematics 9
Quarter 4
Module 16
Solving Oblique Triangles:
Law of Cosines
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Mathematics 9 Self-Learning Module on Solving Oblique

Triangles: Law of Cosines!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the Mathematics 9 Self-Learning Module on Solving Oblique

Triangles: Law of Cosines!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

1. Illustrate the law of cosines;

2. Solve problems involving oblique triangles whose
a. two sides and an included angle are given;
b. three sides are given; and
3. Foster self-reliance when working with the activities independently.

PRETEST

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following formulas can be used to solve for side 𝑎 in ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶
given the angles 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶 and sides 𝑏 and 𝑐?
I. 𝑎2 = 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 + 2𝑏𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴
II. 𝑎2 = 𝑏2 − 𝑐 2 + 2𝑏𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴
III. 𝑎2 = 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴
A. Only I C. Only III
B. Only II D. I, II, and III
2. Given ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 where ∠𝐴 = 1020 , 𝑏 = 5, and 𝑐 = 3, how long is 𝑎?
A. 2.00 C. 6.09
B. 4.36 D. 6.34
3. In ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶, 𝑎 = 7, 𝑏 = 16 and ∠𝐶 = 950 . Using the law of cosines, what is the
measure of ∠𝐵?
A. 22.780 C. 59.160
B. 25.840 D. 62.220
4. What is the measure of the smallest angle in ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 with sides 𝑎 = 7, 𝑏 = 16
and 𝑐 = 10?
A. 16.390 C. 32.250
B. 25.360 D. 57.750
5. A rhombus has side lengths of 25 inches. The diagonal opposite the obtuse
angles is 45 inches. What is the measure of its obtuse angle to the nearest
degree?
A. 1080 C. 1280
B. 1180 D. 1380
 RECAP

A. Tell whether a triangle can be constructed with segments having these

lengths. Write YES or No.
1. 6, 8, 15 Answer: NO
because 6 + 8 < 15

2. 5, 11, 14 Answer: YES

because 5 + 11 > 14

3. 7, 9, 16 Answer: NO
because 7 + 9 = 16

4. 10, 10, 10 Answer: YES

because 10 + 10 > 10

5. 4, 7, 8 Answer: YES
because 4 + 7 > 8
Take note!
The sum of the two shorter sides must be greater than the longest side.

B. Given the side lengths, identify the largest and the smallest angle in each
triangle.
1. ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶: 𝑎 = 7, 𝑏 = 5, and 𝑐 = 3
Answer: ∠A is the largest angle.
∠C is the smallest angle.

2. ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶: 𝑎 = 12, 𝑏 = 18, and 𝑐 = 14

Answer: ∠B is the largest angle.
∠A is the smallest angle.

3. ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶: 𝑎 = 9, 𝑏 = 4, and 𝑐 = 11
Answer: ∠𝐶 is the largest angle.
∠B is the smallest angle.

Take note!
The longest side of a triangle is opposite its largest angle.
The shortest side of a triangle is opposite its smallest angle.
 LESSON

The Law of Cosines and Its Derivation

The Law of Cosines is used to solve oblique triangles in which two sides
and the included angle (SAS) are known, or those in which three sides (SSS)
are known.
For any ∆𝐀𝐁𝐂 with angle measures A, B, C and side lengths a, b, c.
Standard Form Alternative Form
𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
𝑎2 = 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐
𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2
𝑏2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑎𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 =
2𝑎𝑐
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 =
2𝑎𝑏

To derive the formula of the Law of Cosines:

C
B
Let 𝐶𝐷 = ℎ
b a
𝐴𝐷 = 𝑥 h

A x 𝑐 −x B
c D

Apply the Pythagorean Theorem in ∆𝐵𝐶𝐷:

𝑎 2 = ℎ 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥 )2
∴ 𝒂𝟐 = 𝒉𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝟐𝒄𝒙 + 𝒙𝟐 EQ. 1

Apply the Pythagorean Theorem in ∆𝐴𝐷𝐶:

ℎ2 + 𝑥 2 = 𝑏 2
∴ 𝒉𝟐 = 𝒃𝟐 − 𝒙𝟐 substitute this in EQ. 1
𝒂 = 𝒉 + 𝒄 − 𝟐𝒄𝒙 + 𝒙𝟐
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
EQ. 1
𝒂 = 𝒃 − 𝒙 + 𝒄 − 𝟐𝒄𝒙 + 𝒙𝟐 combine similar terms
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐

∴ 𝒂𝟐 = 𝒃𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝟐𝒄𝒙 EQ. 2
In ∆𝐴𝐷𝐶,
𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 =
𝑏
∴ 𝒃 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝑨 = 𝒙 substitute this in EQ. 2
𝒂𝟐 = 𝒃𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝟐𝒄𝒙 EQ. 2
𝒂𝟐 = 𝒃𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝟐𝒄𝒃 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝑨
∴ 𝒂𝟐 = 𝒃𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝟐𝒃𝒄 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝑨

The resulting equation is one of the three formulas for the Law of
Cosines. The other two formulas are derived in a similar manner.
Solving Oblique Triangles
If you are given two sides and an included angle (SAS) of an oblique
triangle, it means that you need to use the Law of Cosines to solve the triangle.
The following steps are utilized in solving for the missing parts of the triangle.
1. Use the Law of Cosines to find the side opposite the given angle.
2. Use the Law of Sines to find the angle opposite the shorter of the two
given sides. This angle is always acute.
3. Find the third angle by subtracting the measure of the given angle and
the angle found in step 2 from 180°.

Law of Cosines is also used to solve an oblique triangle if you are given
three sides (SSS) of this triangle. The following steps are utilized to find the
three angles.
1. Use the Law of Cosines to find the angle opposite the longest side.
2. Use the Law of Sines to find either of the two remaining acute angles.
3. Find the third angle by subtracting the measures of the angles found in
steps 1 and 2 from 180°.

Example 1. Solve ∆ABC given that 𝑎 = 10, 𝑏 = 4, and ∠𝐶 = 350 .

Solution.
B
You are given information that are
consistent with SAS. Therefore, you can apply
𝑎 = 10
the three-step procedure in solving an SAS
triangle. 350
Step 1: Use the Law of Cosines to find the side A
opposite the given angle. Hence, you need to 𝑏=4 C
solve for 𝑐.
Formula to be used in
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶
solving side 𝑐

𝑐 = ට𝑎2 + 𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 Substitute the given values

0 Solve for 𝑐 using your

𝑐 = ට(10)2 + (4)2 − 2(10)(4) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 35
calculator
𝑐 = 7.10

Step 2: Use the Law of Sines to find the angle opposite the shorter of the two
given sides. This angle is always acute. The shorter of the two given sides is
𝑏 = 4. Hence, you are to find acute ∠𝐵.
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐶
= Formula to be used in solving ∠𝐵
𝑏 𝑐
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 350 Substitute the given values and
=
4 7.10 cross multiply
 7.10(𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵) = 4(𝑠𝑖𝑛 350 ) Divide both sides by 7.10
4(𝑠𝑖𝑛 350 ) Solve for ∠𝐵
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 =
7.10
4(𝑠𝑖𝑛 350 ) Solve for ∠𝐵 using your calculator
𝐵 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ቆ ቇ
7.10
𝐵 = 18.850

Step 3: Find the third angle by subtracting the measure of the given angle and
the angle found in step 2 from 180°.
∠𝐴 + ∠𝐵 + ∠𝐶 = 1800
∠𝐴 + 18.850 + 350 = 1800
∠𝐴 + 53.850 = 1800
∠𝐴 = 1800 − 53.850
∠𝐴 = 126.150

Triangle ∆ABC is shown below with its complete parts.

B 18.850

𝑎 = 10
𝑐 = 7.10
350
0
126.15
A 𝑏=4 C

Example 2. Solve ∆ABC given that 𝑎 = 11, 𝑏 = 16, and 𝑐 = 20.

Solution. C

You are given three sides. Therefore, you 𝑏 = 16

𝑎 = 11
can apply the three-step procedure in solving an
SSS triangle. A 𝑐 = 20 B
Step 1: Use the Law of Cosines to find the angle opposite the longest side. The
longest side is 𝑐 = 20. Hence, you need to solve for ∠𝐶.
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 = Formula to be used in solving ∠𝐶
2𝑎𝑏
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝐶 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ቆ ቇ Substitute the given values
2𝑎𝑏
112 + 162 − 202
−1
𝐶 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ቆ ቇ Solve for ∠𝐶 using your calculator
2(11)(16)
𝐶 = 93.750
Step 2: Use the Law of Sines to find either of the two remaining acute angles.
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐶 Formula to be used in solving
=
𝑎 𝑐 ∠𝐴
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 93.750 Substitute the given values
=
11 20 and cross multiply
20(𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴) = 11(𝑠𝑖𝑛 93.750 ) Divide both sides by 20
11(𝑠𝑖𝑛 93.750 )
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 = Solve for ∠𝐴
20
−1
11(𝑠𝑖𝑛 93.750 ) Solve for ∠𝐴 using your
𝐴 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ቆ ቇ
20 calculator
𝐴 = 33.290

Step 3: Find the third angle by subtracting the measures of the angles found
in steps 1 and 2 from 180°.
∠𝐴 + ∠𝐵 + ∠𝐶 = 1800
33.290 + ∠𝐵 + 93.750 = 1800
∠𝐵 + 127.040 = 1800
∠𝐴 = 1800 − 127.040
∠𝐴 = 52.960

Triangle ∆ABC is shown below with its complete parts.

C

93.750
𝑏 = 16 𝑎 = 11

A 33.290 52.960 B
𝑐 = 20

Example 3. A parallelogram has side lengths 20 centimeters and 25

centimeters. The diagonal opposite the obtuse angle measures 38
centimeters. What is the measure of the obtuse angle?
Solution.
Since the given are three sides, you can 25 𝑐𝑚.
solve the problem by using the alternative form
of the Law of Cosines to find the angle opposite 20 𝑐𝑚.
the longest side. 38 𝑐𝑚.

Let 𝜽 be the measure of the obtuse angle

The longest side is 38 𝑐𝑚. Hence, you can easily solve for 𝜽.

𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜽 = Formula to be used in solving 𝜽
2𝑎𝑏
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝜽 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ቆ ቇ Substitute the given values
2𝑎𝑏
202 + 252 − 382
𝜽 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1
ቆ ቇ Solve for 𝜽 using your calculator
2(20)(25)
𝜽 = 1150

∴ The measure of the obtuse angle in a parallelogram is 𝟏𝟏𝟓𝟎 .

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: LET’S PRACTICE!

Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and
FALSE if its incorrect.
1. Law of Cosines is used to solve a triangle when two sides and an angle
are known.
2. If ∆ABC is any triangle with sides and angles labeled in the usual way,
then 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 > 2𝑏𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴.
3. A triangle with side lengths 9, 15, and 5 can be solved using Law of
Cosines.
4. The Law of Cosines states that the square of any side of a triangle is
equal to the sum of the other two sides subtracted by twice their product
into the cosine of the included angle.
5. When solving the SSS triangle, there is no need to find the largest angle
first.

Activity 2: KEEP PRACTICING!

Solve each triangle. Round lengths to the nearest tenths and angle measures
to the nearest degree.
1. 𝑎 = 11, 𝑏 = 14, ∠𝐶 = 1050
2. 𝑏 = 32, 𝑐 = 25, ∠𝐴 = 630
3. 𝑎 = 18, 𝑐 = 24, ∠𝐵 = 470
4. 𝑎 = 16, 𝑏 = 13, 𝑐 = 20
5. 𝑎 = 21, 𝑏 = 45, 𝑐 = 32
Activity 3: TEST YOURSELF!
Solve each of the following problems. Round off your final answers to the
nearest whole number.
1. The lengths of the diagonals of a parallelogram are 20 centimeters and
30 centimeters. The diagonals intersect at an angle of 410 . Find the
lengths of the parallelogram’s sides.
2. Joshua has three sticks measuring 20 inches, 25 inches, and 34 inches.
He lays them down to form a triangle. Find the measure of the smallest
angle.

WRAP-UP

When solving an oblique triangle given two sides and their included
angle (SAS), you use the standard form of the Law of Cosines and the
alternative form when solving an oblique triangle given three sides (SSS.
For any ∆𝐀𝐁𝐂 with angle measures A, B, C and side lengths a, b, c.
Standard Form Alternative Form
𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
𝑎2 = 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐
2
𝑎 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑏2
𝑏2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑎𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 =
2𝑎𝑐
2
𝑎 + 𝑏2 − 𝑐 2
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 =
2𝑎𝑏

Steps to follow in solving SAS triangle:

1. Use the Law of Cosines to find the side opposite the given angle.
2. Use the Law of Sines to find the angle opposite the shorter of the two
given sides. This angle is always acute.
3. Find the third angle by subtracting the measure of the given angle and
the angle found in step 2 from 180°.

Steps to follow in solving SSS triangle:

1. Use the Law of Cosines to find the angle opposite the longest side.
2. Use the Law of Sines to find either of the two remaining acute angles.
3. Find the third angle by subtracting the measures of the angles found in
steps 1 and 2 from 180°.
 VALUING
The steps in solving the SAS and SSS triangle were given. Have you
tried solving some problems in your activity without following the steps? If
your answer is YES, what happened? If NO, what do you think will happen if
you did not follow the steps provided? Set of steps are not only important in
solving SAS and SSS triangle, but in real-life too. Cite one real-life situation
where set of steps or procedures are important and then explain. Write your
thoughts in your notebook.

POSTTEST
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1. Which of the following formulas can be used to solve for the measure of ∠𝐴
in ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶?
𝑏2 +𝑐2 +𝑎2 𝑏2 +𝑐 2 −𝑎2 𝑏2 −𝑐2 −𝑎2
I. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 = II. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 = III. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐 2𝑏𝑐 2𝑏𝑐

A. Only I B. Only II C. Only III D. I, II, and III

2. Which of the following describes the Law of Cosines?
A. The third side of a triangle equals the sum of the squares of the other
two sides minus the product of the two sides and an included angle.
B. The square third side of a triangle equals the sum of the squares of
the other two sides minus the product of the two sides and an
included angle.
C. The square third side of a triangle equals the sum of the squares of
the other two sides minus twice the product of the two sides and an
included angle.
D. None of the above
3. What is the measure of the largest angle in a triangle with sides 6, 9, and
13?
A. 98.780 B. 118.780 C. 128.780 D. 138.780
4. What is the measure of ∠𝐴 in ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 with sides 𝑎 = 8, 𝑏 = 10 and ∠𝐶 = 850 ?
A. 40.590 B. 54.410 C. 57.750 D. 61.210
5. The diagonals of a rectangle are 48 centimeters long and intersect at an
angle of 320 . What is the length of the longer side of the rectangle?
A. 13.23 centimeters C. 40.50 centimeters
B. 25.76 centimeters D. 46.14 centimeter
 Hall, Inc., 2001.
Sobel, Max and Lerner, Norbert. Algebra and Trigonometry. Philippines: Prentice-
Trigonometry. Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc., 2007.
Oronce, Orlando, and Mendoza, Marilyn. e-math: Advanced Algebra and
2001.
Landicho-Robles, Elizabeth. Trigonometry. Quezon City: MSA Publishing House,
Department of Education, 2014.
Bryant, Merden, et.al. Mathematics Grade 9 Learner’s Manual. Pasig City:
References
PRETEST
1. C 2. D 3. D 4. A 5. C
Activity 1: LET’S PRACTICE!
1. FALSE 2. TRUE 3. FALSE 4. FALSE 5. FALSE
Activity 2: KEEP PRACTICING!
1. 𝐴 = 320 𝐵 = 430 𝑐 = 19.9
2. 𝑎 = 30.4 𝐵 = 700 𝐶 = 470
3. 𝐴 = 480 𝑐 = 17.6 𝐶 = 850
4. 𝐴 = 530 𝐵 = 400 𝐶 = 870
4. 𝐴 = 250 𝐵 = 1150 𝐶 = 400
Activity 3: TEST YOURSELF
1. The lengths of the sides of a parallelogram are 9 cm. and 23 cm.
2. The measure of the smallest angle in the triangle is 360 .
POSTTEST
1. B 2. C 3. B 4. A 5. D
KEY TO CORRECTION