Mathematics 9

Fourth Quarter – Module 5

LAW OF COSINES
SIMPLIFIED MELC-BASED BUDGET OF LESSON

April 19-23, 2021

Performance Standard:
The learner is able to apply the concepts of trigonometric ratios to formulate and solve real-life
problems with precision and accuracy.

MELCs:
1. Illustrates laws of Cosines M9GE-IVf-g-1

Duration: Five hours a week.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

 Determine the  Use the law of  Solve problem  Formulate and
unknown measures of cosines to solve involving law of answer your own
the parts of a triangle triangles cosines problem that can be
solved using the law
of cosines.
.

INTRODUCTION

Triangular shapes or objects in our real world are visible everywhere. These objects cannot be
used properly without the knowledge of solving its appropriate dimensions.
In this module, we will be dealing with the concepts that will help us understand how and
when to use a cosine function.
When do you think we can use law of cosines and sines?
Why is it important to study law of sines and cosines?

THE LAW OF COSINES

Given the triangle A, B, C, and opposite sides a, b, c, respectively, then

a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A
b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac cos B
c2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab cos C

The law of cosines is applicable in two cases, that is when a triangle has
 Three sides (SSS); or
 Two sides and their included angle (SAS)

Triangle (a) shows SAS, while

triangle (b) shows SSS.

Example 1:
Solve Δ ABC given a = 70°, b = 35 cm, and c= 20 cm.
Solution:

Step 1: Use the law of cosines to find the length of side a opposite ∠ A.
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A
a2 = 352 + 202 – 2(35)(20) (cos 70°)
a2 = 1225 + 400 -1400(0.34)
a2 = 1225 + 400- 476
a2 = 1149
a = 33.9 cm

Step 2: Use the law of cosines to solve for one of the two unknown angles.
b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac cos B
352 = (33.9)2 + 202 – 2(33.9)(20) (cos B)
1225 = 1149.21 + 400 -1356 Cos B
1149.21+400−1225
Cos B =
1356
Cos B = 0.24
B = cos-1 0.24
B = 76°
Step 3: To solve for the measure of the third angle, use the relationship
A + B + C = 180°
70° + 76° + C = 180°
C=180°-146°
C = 34°

Answer: Therefore, a=33.9 cm, B =76°, and C=34°.

Example 2:
Solve Δ ABC given a = 15 cm, b = 13 cm, and c = 6 cm.
Solution:

Step 1: Use the law of cosines to solve for the measure of ∠ A.

a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A
152 = 132 + 62 – 2(13)(6) (cos A)
225 = 169 + 36 -156 cos A
169+ 36−225
Cos A =
156
Cos A = -0.13
A = cos-1 (-0.13)
A = 97°

Step 2: Use the law of cosines to solve for the measure of ∠ B.

b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac cos B
132 = 152 + 62 – 2(15)(6) cos B
169 =225 + 36 -180 Cos B
225+36−169
Cos B =
180
Cos B = 0.51
B = cos-1 0.51
B = 59°
Step 3: To solve for the measure of the third angle, use the relationship
A + B + C = 180°
97° + 59° + C = 180°
C = 180° - 156°
C =24°

Answer: Therefore, A =97°, B= 59°, and C = 24°.

Example 3:
A triangular-shaped field has corners A, B, and C. Corner A is opposite a side 200 m
long while corner B is opposite a side 145 m long. Determine the length of the side opposite
corner C, which measures 56°.

Solution: Use the law of cosines to determine c.

c2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab cos C
c2 = 2002 + 1452 – 2(200)(145) (cos 56°)
c2 = 28 591.81
c = 169.09 m

Answer: Therefore, the length of the side opposite corner C

 The Law of cosines is used in solving problems involving oblique triangles given the measures
of two sides and their included angle or given three sides.

REFERENCES
Pascasio, Arlene, Ponsones, Rigor, et.,al,.Math Ideas and Life Applications 9. Abiva Publishing House
Inc. 2017.
Tuliao, Alen L., Jimenez, Elizabeth P.,et.,al,.Realistic Math 9, Sibs Publishing House Inc.2017.
Disclaimer: The school and the teachers do not claim any rights or ownership of the information found in the
learning packet or module. It is a compilation from different resources which are listed in the reference
section. This is solely for educational purposes only.
Mathematics 9
Fourth Quarter – Module 5
LAW OF COSINES
Name of Student: _____________________________________ Grade Level: ____________________
Name of Teacher: _____________________________________ Section: ________________________

ANSWER SHEET

Note: You can write your answer on a separate sheet of paper as long as clear and readable (encoded or handwritten)

Day 1
Determine the unknown part of the triangle marked with a question mark.
1. 2.

Day 2
Use the law of cosines to solve each triangle

1. a = 20 cm, c =16 cm, B = 50°

2. b = 48 cm, c= 54 cm, A = 75°

3. a = 8 cm, b = 6 cm, c = 9 cm

4. a =13 cm, b =35 cm, A = 54°

Day 3
Solve the following problem.
1. A triangular-shaped corn field has sides of lengths 400 m, 200 m, and 320 m. Determine its
largest angle.

Day 4
Formulate and answer your own (1) problem that can be solved using the law of cosines.