To develop the Law of Sines, begin with triangle ABC. From vertex C, draw an altitude and label it h.

1. Show that

2.

Again begin with triangle ABC. From vertex A, draw an altitude and label it k. Show that

3. All of this can be written as one big 3 part equation, called the Law of Sines.

Discovering Geometry, An Inductive Approach p. 550-551

To develop the Law of Cosines, begin with triangle ABC. From vertex B, altitude h is drawn and separates side b into segments x and b-x.

1. The altitude separates triangle ABC into two right triangles. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to write two equations.

2. Solve both equations for h2 and set them equal to each other. Then eliminate x from the equation since the original triangle doesnt have an x.

3. Solve the equation for c2. This is the standard form of the Law of Cosines. What does it remind you of?

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Law of Sines and Cosines Hint Cards: Law of Sines Hint 1A: Find sin(A) and sin(B). What do they have in common? Law of Sines Hint 1A, B: Find sin(A) and sin(B). What do they have in common? Rewrite the equations to show theyre equal. Law of Sines Check:

Law of Cosines Hint 2A: Expand (b-x)^2 Law of Cosines Hint 2B: Find cos(C) and use that equation to substitute for x. Law of Cosines Check: