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Introduction
What is the law of cosines?
↓
Using the law of cosines to find an unknown sideUsing the law of cosines to find an unknown angle
Common Core State Standards
How to find the missing side or angle of a triangle using the law of cosines
Cosine rule examples (missing side)
↓
Example 1: find a missing side using the cosine ruleExample 2: find a missing side using the cosine ruleExample 3: find a missing side using the cosine rule
Law of cosines examples (missing angle)
↓
Example 4: find a missing angle using the cosine rule Example 5: find a missing angle using the cosine ruleExample 6: find a missing obtuse angle using the cosine rule
Teaching tips for the law of cosines
Easy mistakes to make
Related trigonometry lessons
Practice law of cosine questions
Law of cosines FAQs
Next lessons
Still stuck?
Math resources Geometry
Trigonometry
Law of cosines
Here is everything you need to know about the law of cosines or cosine rule. You’ll learn how to use the cosine rule to find missing sides and angles in an oblique triangle (non-right triangle) and understand when to use the cosine rule instead of using the law of sines, Pythagorean theorem, or SOHCAHTOA (right triangle trigonometry).
Students first learn how to work with the law of cosines in geometry and expand that knowledge as they progress through Algebra 2 and precalculus.
What is the law of cosines?
The law of cosines (or cosine rule) is a formula that can be used to calculate a missing side or missing angle in a triangle. To apply the law of cosines, you need to know the correct arrangement of the formula and what each variable represents.
The law of cosines is typically used when you are given the three sides of a triangle (SSS) or given two sides of a triangle with the included angle measurement, (SAS).
Take a look at the triangle ABC below.
The way you label the sides of a triangle and the angles of a triangle is the same as how you label them when using the law of sines, opposite the angle is the side.
For example, opposite angle A is side a, opposite angle B is side b, and opposite angle C is side c.
The law of cosines or the cosine rule is:
a^{2}=b^{2}+c^{2}-2bc\cos(A)
Take a look at this triangle. If you wanted to solve for the length of side a, you would use the formula a^{2}=b^{2}+c^{2}-2bc\cos(A).
Notice how side a in the formula is isolated on the left hand side of the equation with angle A being used on the right hand side of the equation.
If you need to find a different side or angle, you can use the alternate forms of the law of cosines.
The law of cosines can also be written as:
b^2=a^2+c^2-2 a c \cos (B)
or
c^2=a^2+b^2-2 a b \cos (C)
Let’s look at how to use the law of cosines to solve the triangle.
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Using the law of cosines to find an unknown side
Find side a in the triangle. Remember that side a is opposite angle A and side b is opposite angle B and side c is opposite angle C.
Using the law of cosines,
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
\begin{aligned}&x^2=(6.5)^2+(7.1)^2-2(6.5)(7.1) \cos (32) \\\\ &x^2=42.25+50.41-78.27 \\\\ &x^2=14.39 \\\\ &\sqrt{x^2}=\sqrt{14.39} \\\\ &x=3.79 \end{aligned}
Side a is approximately 3.79 \, cm which makes sense looking at the sketch of the triangle.
Using the law of cosines to find an unknown angle
Find angle \theta in the triangle. Remember to label the triangle as A, \, B, \, C and a, \, b, \, c to help decide which equation to use.
The way the triangle is labeled, angle \theta is angle B so the arrangement of the law of cosines that should be used is:
b^2=a^2+c^2-2 a c \cos (B)
Substitute the values into the equation.
(27.5)^2=(13.8)^2+(29.7)^2-2(13.8)(29.7) \cos B
\begin{aligned} & 756.25=190.44+882.09-819.72 \cos B \\\\ & 756.25=1072.53-819.72 \cos B \end{aligned}
756.25-1072.53=1072.53-1072.53-819.72 \cos B
\begin{aligned} & - \, 316.28=- \, 819.72 \cos B \\\\ & \cfrac{- \, 316.28}{- \, 819.72}=\cfrac{- \, 819.72 \cos B}{- \, 819.72} \end{aligned}
(0.3858)=\cos B \quad (Use the inverse cosine to solve)
\begin{aligned} & \cos ^{-1}(0.3858)=\cos ^{-1}(\cos B) \\\\ & 67.31=\text { angle } B \\\\ & \text { Angle } B=\text { angle } \theta \approx 67.31^{\circ} \end{aligned}
What is the law of cosines?
Common Core State Standards
How does this relate to high school math?
- High School Geometry – Similarity, Right Triangles, and Trigonometry – HSG-SRT.D.10 (+)
Prove the Laws of Sines and Cosines and use them to solve problems.
- High School Geometry – Similarity, Right Triangles, and Trigonometry – HSG-SRT.D.11 (+)
Understand and apply the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines to find unknown measurements in right and non-right triangles (example, surveying problems, resultant forces).
How to find the missing side or angle of a triangle using the law of cosines
In order to find the missing side or angle of a triangle using the law of cosines:
- Label each angle \textbf{(A, \, B, \, C)} and each side \textbf{(a, \, b, \, c)} of the triangle.
- State the law of cosines, then substitute the given values into the formula.
- Solve the equation.
Cosine rule examples (missing side)
Example 1: find a missing side using the cosine rule
Find the value of x for triangle ABC, correct to 2 decimal places.
- Label each angle \textbf{(A, \, B, \, C)} and each side \textbf{(a, \, b, \, c)} of the triangle.
2State the law of cosines, then substitute the given values into the formula.
Looking at how the triangle is labeled, x is the same as side c.
So, the arrangement of the law of cosines should be:
c^2=a^2+b^2-2 a b \cos C
Substitute in the values:
x^2=(12.5)^2+(14)^2-2(12.5)(14) \cos (38)
3Solve the equation.
\begin{aligned}& x^2=(12.5)^2+(14)^2-2(12.5)(14) \cos (38) \\\\& x^2=156.25+196-350(0.7880) \\\\& x^2=352.25-275.8 \\\\& x^2=76.25 \\\\& \sqrt{x^2}=\sqrt{76.25} \\\\& x=8.74 \\\\& x=\text { side } c \approx 8.74\mathrm{~cm} \end{aligned}
Example 2: find a missing side using the cosine rule
Find the length of XY for triangle XYZ.
Label each angle \textbf{(A, \, B, \, C)} and each side \textbf{(a, \, b, \, c)} of the triangle.
Notice, how you need to find the interior angle of the triangle, \text { angle } C A B=39^{\circ}.
The way you solve the interior angle is to subtract the exterior angle measurement from 180^{\circ}.
180-141=39
State the law of cosines, then substitute the given values into the formula.
The way the triangle is labeled, side XY is the same as side a. So the arrangement of the law of sines that should be used is:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
a^2=(0.8)^2+(0.6)^2-2(0.8)(0.6) \cos 39
Solve the equation.
\begin{aligned}& a^2=(0.8)^2+(0.6)^2-2(0.8)(0.6) \cos 39 \\\\& a^2=0.64+0.36-0.96 \cos 39 \\\\& a^2=1-0.7461 \\\\& a^2=0.2539 \\\\& \sqrt{a^2}=\sqrt{0.2539} \\\\& a=0.5 \\\\& \text { side } a=\text { side } X Y \approx 0.5 \mathrm{~mm} \end{aligned}
Example 3: find a missing side using the cosine rule
Find the length of side b in triangle ABC. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.
Label each angle \textbf{(A, \, B, \, C)} and each side \textbf{(a, \, b, \, c)} of the triangle.
The triangle has vertices A, \, B, \, C. Label the sides across from the angles with the same variables.
State the law of cosines, then substitute the given values into the formula.
In this case, since you are solving for side b, the correct arrangement is:
b^2=a^2+c^2-2 a c \cos B
b^2=(12.1)^2+(25.2)^2-2(12.1)(25.2) \cos 43
Solve the equation.
\begin{aligned}& b^2=(12.1)^2+(25.2)^2-2(12.1)(25.2) \cos 43 \\\\& b^2=146.1+635.04-446.01 \\\\& b^2=335.13 \\\\& \sqrt{b^2}=\sqrt{335.13} \\\\& b=18.31 \approx 18.3 \\\\& b=18.3 \mathrm{~cm} \end{aligned}
Law of cosines examples (missing angle)
Example 4: find a missing angle using the cosine rule
Find the measure of the angle \theta for the isosceles triangle ABC. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.
Label each angle \textbf{(A, \, B, \, C)} and each side \textbf{(a, \, b, \, c)} of the triangle.
State the law of cosines, then substitute the given values into the formula.
The way the triangle is labeled, \text{ angle } \theta is the same as \text{ angle } A. So, the arrangement of the law of cosines that should be used is:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
Remember that an isosceles triangle has two equal sides so side a is the same as side c. Substitute 12 in for a into the law of cosines.
12^2=6^2+12^2-2(6)(12) \cos \theta
Solve the equation.
\begin{aligned}& 12^2=6^2+12^2-2(6)(12) \cos \theta \\\\ & 144=36+144-144 \cos \theta \\\\ & 144=180-144 \cos \theta \\\\ & - \,36=- \,144 \cos \theta \\\\ & \cfrac{- \,36}{- \, 144}=\cfrac{- \, 144 \cos \theta}{- \,144} \end{aligned}
0.25=\cos \theta \quad (Use the inverse cosine function)
\begin{aligned} & \cos ^{-1}(0.25)=\cos ^{-1}(\cos \theta) \\\\ & 75.52=\theta \\\\ &\text { Angle } \theta=\text { Angle } A \approx 75.5^{\circ} \end{aligned}
Example 5: find a missing angle using the cosine rule
Find the measure of angle \theta for triangle EFG. Round your answer to the nearest hundredth.
Label each angle \textbf{(A, \, B, \, C)} and each side \textbf{(a, \, b, \, c)} of the triangle.
State the law of cosines, then substitute the given values into the formula.
The way the triangle is labeled, the arrangement of the law of cosines that should be used is:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute values:
29.5^2=(29.7)^2+(13.8)^2-2(29.7)(13.8) \cos \theta
Solve the equation.
\begin{aligned}& 29.5^2=(29.7)^2+(13.8)^2-2(29.7)(13.8) \cos \theta \\\\ & 870.25=882.09+190.44-819.72 \cos \theta \\\\ & 870.25=1072.53-819.72 \cos \theta \\\\ & - \, 202.28=- \, 819.72 \cos \theta \\\\ & \cfrac{- \, 202.28}{- \, 819.72}=\cfrac{- \, 819.72 \cos \theta}{- \, 819.72} \end{aligned}
(0.2468)=\cos \theta \quad (Use the inverse cosine function)
\begin{aligned} & \cos ^{-1}(0.2468)=\cos ^{-1}(\cos \theta) \\\\ & 75.71=\theta \\\\ & \text { Angle } \theta \approx 75.71^{\circ} \end{aligned}
Example 6: find a missing obtuse angle using the cosine rule
Find the measure of angle \theta for triangle XYZ. Write your answer to 2 decimal places.
Label each angle \textbf{(A, \, B, \, C)} and each side \textbf{(a, \, b, \, c)} of the triangle.
State the law of cosines, then substitute the given values into the formula.
The way the triangle is labeled, the arrangement of the law of cosines that should be used is:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute values:
\begin{aligned}& 5.1^2=(2.7)^2+(3.8)^2-2(2.7)(3.8) \cos \theta \\\\ & 26.01=7.29+14.44-20.52 \cos \theta \\\\ & 26.01=21.73-20.52 \cos \theta \\\\ & 26.01-21.73=21.73-21.73-20.52 \cos \theta \\\\ & 4.28=- \, 20.52 \cos \theta \\\\ & \cfrac{4.28}{- \, 20.52}=\cfrac{- \, 20.52 \cos \theta}{- \, 20.52} \end{aligned}
(- \, 0.2086)=\cos \theta \quad (Use the inverse cosine function)
\begin{aligned}& 102.04=\theta \\\\& \text { Angle } \theta \approx 102.04^{\circ} \end{aligned}
Teaching tips for the law of cosines
- Provide opportunities for students to investigate the law of cosines through platforms such as Desmos where they can determine when the law of cosines works and when it doesn’t.
- Give students different scenarios to determine when the law of cosines works. For example, when the triangle has known parts set up as ASA, \, AAS, \, SAS, \, and SSS.
- Instead of giving students a worksheet to practice problems, have them do scavenger hunts or game playing.
- Incorporate game playing using math apps for students to practice skills.
Easy mistakes to make
- Using the Pythagorean Theorem instead of the Law of Cosines
For example, solving for x by doing:\begin{aligned}& 12^2+12^2=x^2 \\\\ & 144+144=x^2 \\\\ & 288=x^2 \\\\ & \sqrt{288}=x \end{aligned}
This would be incorrect because the triangle does not have a right angle so the Pythagorean Theorem cannot be used. Instead, apply the law of cosines.
- Labeling the triangle incorrectly
Labeling the triangle incorrectly can lead to incorrect calculations and incorrect use of the law of sines. For example, this triangle has been incorrectly labeled with the side next to the angle.
Remember, the correct way is to label the angles and across from the angle is the side.
- Using the sine function instead of the cosine function
For example, when applying the law of cosines accidentally typing the sin function or the inverse sine function on the calculator.
- Using the law of cosines incorrectly
For example, using a^2=b^2+c^2+2 b c \cos (A) instead of a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A). A common error is to add the 2 b c \operatorname {cos}(A) instead of subtracting it.
- Solving the law of cosines incorrectly
For example, when using the law of cosines when the side lengths are given to be a = 20, \, b = 14, \, c = 17 and you have to find the angle A .\begin{aligned}& a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \operatorname {cos}(A) \\\\ & 20^2=14^2+17^2-2(14)(17) \cos A \\\\ & 400=196+289-476 \cos A \\\\ & 400=485-476 \cos A \end{aligned}
- \, 85
≠ 9 \cos AThe correct way to solve this would be:
\begin{aligned}& 20^2=14^2+17^2-2(14)(17) \cos A \\\\ & 400=196+289-476 \cos A \\\\ & 400=485-476 \cos A \end{aligned}
- \, 85=- \, 476 \cos A \quad (divide both sides by - \,476)
0.1786=\cos A \quad (use the inverse cosine function)
\begin{aligned} & \cos ^{-1}(0.1786)=\cos ^{-1}(\cos A) \\\\ & 79.71^{\circ}=\text { Angle } A \end{aligned}
Related trigonometry lessons
- Trig functions
- How to find the exact value of a trig function
- Sin cos tan
- SOHCAHTOA
- Trig formula for area of a triangle
- Trig formulas
- Trig identities
- Law of sines
- Trig table
Practice law of cosine questions
1. Use the law of cosines to find the length of the third side of a triangle which is represented by x. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.
13.6 \, cm
13.2 \, cm
15.2 \, cm
4.2 \, cm
Label the triangle:
Use the labeled triangle to write the correct arrangement of the law of cosines:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
\begin{aligned}& x^2=12^2+8^2-2 \times 12 \times 8 \times \cos (97) \\\\& x^2=208-192 \cos (97) \\\\& x^2=231.3989 \end{aligned}
x=\sqrt{231.3989} \quad (take the square root)
x=15.2 \quad (rounded to the nearest tenth)
2. Find the length of x for triangle PQR. Write your answer to the nearest tenth.
10.2 \, cm
5.8 \, cm
8.3 \, cm
10.5 \, cm
Label the triangle:
Use the labeled triangle to write the correct arrangement of the law of cosines:
The law of cosines states:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
\begin{aligned}& x^2=6.3^2+5.4^2-2 \times 6.3 \times 5.4 \times \cos (59) \\\\& x^2=68.85-68.04 \cos (59) \\\\& x^2=33.8068 \end{aligned}
x=\sqrt{33.8068} \quad (take the square root)
x=5.8 \quad (rounded to the nearest tenth)
3. Find the length of XY for triangle XYZ. Write your answer to the nearest tenth.
11.6 \, cm
3.3 \, cm
5.8 \, cm
10.5 \, cm
Label the triangle:
Use the labeled triangle to write the correct arrangement of the law of cosines.
The law of cosines states:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
\begin{aligned}& a^2=6^2+6^2-2 \times 6 \times 6 \times \cos (122) \\\\& x^2=72-72 \cos (122) \\\\& x^2=110.154187 \end{aligned}
x=\sqrt{110.154187} \quad (take the square root)
x=10.5 \quad (nearest tenth)
4. Find the measure of angle \theta for triangle ABC. Round the angle to the nearest tenth.
43.8^{\circ}
1.00^{\circ}
28.0^{\circ}
134^{\circ}
Label the triangle:
Use the labeled triangle to write the correct arrangement of the law of cosines:
The law of cosines states:
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
\begin{aligned}& 12^2=5.2^2+7.8^2-2(5.2)(7.8) \cos A \\\\& 144=27.04+60.84-81.12 \cos A \\\\& 144=87.88-81.12 \cos A \\\\& 56.12=- \, 81.12 \cos A \\\\& \cfrac{56.12}{- \, 81.12}=\cfrac{- \, 81.12 \cos A}{- \, 81.12} \\\\& – \, 0.6918=\cos A \end{aligned}
\cos ^{-1}(- \, 0.6918)=\cos ^{-1}(\cos A) \quad (use the inverse cosine function)
\begin{aligned}& 133.8^{\circ}=\text { Angle } A=\theta \\\\& 133.8^{\circ}=\theta \end{aligned}
5. Find the measure of angle \theta for triangle XYZ. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.
30.4^{\circ}
59.6^{\circ}
1.00^{\circ}
36.7^{\circ}
Label the triangle:
Use the correct arrangement for the law of cosines
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
\begin{aligned}& 8.3^2=15.1^2+9.8^2-2(15.1)(9.8) \cos A \\\\& 68.89=228.01+96.04-295.96 \cos A \\\\& 68.89=324.05-295.96 \cos A \\\\& – \, 255.16=- \, 295.96 \cos A \\\\& \cfrac{- \, 255.16}{- \, 295.96}=\cfrac{- \, 295.96 \cos A}{- \, 295.96} \\\\& 0.8621=\cos A \end{aligned}
\cos ^{-1}(0.8621)=\cos ^{-1}(\cos A) \quad (use the inverse cosine function)
\theta=30.4^{\circ}
6. Find the measure of angle \theta for triangle EFG. Write your answer to 2 decimal places.
73.60^{\circ}
16.10^{\circ}
1.00^{\circ}
81.95^{\circ}
Label the triangle:
Use the correct arrangement for the law of cosines
a^2=b^2+c^2-2 b c \cos (A)
Substitute in the values:
\begin{aligned}& 7^2=25^2+25^2-2(25)(25) \cos A \\\\& 49=625+625-1250 \cos A \\\\& 49=1250-1250 \cos A \\\\& – \, 1201=- \, 1250 \cos A \\\\& \cfrac{- \, 1201}{- \, 1250}=\cfrac{- \, 1250}{- \, 1250} \cos A \\\\& 0.9608=\cos A \end{aligned}
\cos ^{-1}(0.9608)=\cos ^{-1}(\cos A) \quad (Use the inverse cosine function)
\begin{aligned}& 16.1^{\circ}=\text { Angle } A=\theta \\\\& 16.1^{\circ}=\theta \end{aligned}
Law of cosines FAQs
Can you use the law of cosines to solve for the sides and angles of any triangle?
You can use the law of cosines to find the angles and sides of any triangle. However, if the triangle is a right triangle using Pythagoras’s theorem or right triangle trigonometry might be more efficient.
Is there a law of tangents rule?
There is a law of tangents, but it is rarely or never taught in high school. However, if you pursue mathematics in college, there is a possibility you will learn about it.
Can you use the law of cosines to find the angles and sides of an acute triangle?
Yes, you can use the law of cosines to find the missing sides and angles of any acute triangle. However, look to see what values are given because the law of sines might be more efficient.
Are there other ways to find the area of a triangle other than \bf \textbf{A}=\bf{\cfrac{1}{2}} \, \textbf{b}\textbf{h}?
Yes, there are other ways you can find the area of a triangle.
When learning trigonometry, you will learn how to find the area of a triangle using the formula, A=\cfrac{1}{2} \, b c \sin A which can also be written as A=\cfrac{1}{2} \, a c \sin B or A=\cfrac{1}{2} \, a b \sin C.
These formulas can be used when you have two known sides of a triangle and the angle in between them.
When using the law of cosines, will you have to solve quadratic equations?
Yes, there might be situations when you will have to solve quadratic equations when using law of cosines. For example, when you have two sides and a non-included angle.
Will I have to use law of cosines or law of sines to solve word problems?
Yes, just like the pythagorean theorem, you will have to be able to apply the law of sines and cosines to word problems. The rules can also be used when working with vectors.
The next lessons are
- Circle math
- Sectors Arcs and Segments
- Circle Theorems
Still stuck?
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Introduction
What is the law of cosines?
↓
Using the law of cosines to find an unknown sideUsing the law of cosines to find an unknown angle
Common Core State Standards
How to find the missing side or angle of a triangle using the law of cosines
Cosine rule examples (missing side)
↓
Example 1: find a missing side using the cosine ruleExample 2: find a missing side using the cosine ruleExample 3: find a missing side using the cosine rule
Law of cosines examples (missing angle)
↓
Example 4: find a missing angle using the cosine rule Example 5: find a missing angle using the cosine ruleExample 6: find a missing obtuse angle using the cosine rule
Teaching tips for the law of cosines
Easy mistakes to make
Related trigonometry lessons
Practice law of cosine questions
Law of cosines FAQs
Next lessons
Still stuck?
x
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