The cosine rule

a² = b² + c² - 2bc cosA a c

...is the same as... C A

b
cosA = b² + c² - a²
2bc

We can use this formula to find missing sides or

angles of non-right-angled triangles
Find the length of the side marked a and give your answer
correct to 3 s.f.

a2 = 82 + 9.62 – 2 x 8 x 9.6 x Cos 40o

9.6 cm
a
a = (82 + 9.62 – 2 x 8 x 9.6 x Cos 40o)

40o
a = 6.20 cm (3 sf)
8 cm
Find the size of the acute angle marked A and give your
answer correct to 1 d.p.

cosA = 6² + 4.9² - 3.2²

2 x 6 x 4.9
6 cm A = Cos-1 (6² + 4.9² - 3.2²)
3.2 cm (2 x 6 x 4.9)

A = 32.2° (1 dp)
A
4.9 cm