9

Mathematics
Quarter 4 – Module 5
(Week 8 to Week 9)

The Law of Cosines and its

Application

i
The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in this module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with
it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

About the Module

This module is designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
about The Law of Cosines and its Application. The scope of this module permits it
to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module contains:

▪ Lesson 1 – The Law of Cosines
▪ Lesson 2 – Application on the Law of Cosines

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts of Trigonometry;
• apply the concepts of the Law of Cosines; and
• solve word problems involving the Law of Cosines.

ii
 What I Know (Pre-Test)

Instructions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your chosen answer on
a separate sheet of paper.

1. Given the parts of ∆ ABC, which triangle can be solved using the law of cosine?
A. 𝑚 ∠ 𝐵 = 32° ; 𝑚∠ 𝐶 = 118° ; 𝑐 = 42 C. 𝑚 ∠ 𝐵 = 120° ; 𝑎 = 10 ; 𝑏 = 19
B. 𝑚 ∠ 𝐵 = 82° ; 𝑚∠ 𝐶 = 75 ° ; 𝑐 = 24 D. 𝑚 ∠ 𝐴 = 130° ; 𝑏 = 5 ; 𝑐 = 18
2. Which of the following conditions guarantee that the law of cosine can be used
to solve for any oblique triangle?
A. If three sides are given C. ASA case
B. If three angles are given D. SSA case

3. What is an oblique triangle? It is a kind of triangle with_______.

A. one right angle C. no right angle
B. three equal sides D. three equal angles

4. ∆ABC below is an oblique triangle, find the length of side b.

C
A. 14.2 C. 9.3
b
B. 13.5 D. 8.2
350
A B
c =14
5. Which of the following law of cosine formula is used to solve ∠𝐴 ?
𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2
A. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = C. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐 2𝑏𝑐

𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
B. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = D. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 =
2𝑎𝑏 2𝑎𝑐
6. Given below is an oblique ∆ ABC. Find 𝑚∠𝐴 to the nearest degree.
A. 250 B

B. 350 c
a=5
C. 490
78
D. 620 A 0 C
b=8
7. If the sides of a triangle are 27, 32 and 34, respectively, find the measure of the
smallest angle to the nearest degree.
A. 370 B. 430 C. 480 D. 590
8. Given the following parts of ABC, solve for the third side.
𝑎 = 6 𝑐𝑚 ; 𝑐 = 8 𝑐𝑚 ; 𝑚∠ 76°
A. 4𝑐𝑚 B. 5𝑐𝑚 C. 6.5𝑐𝑚 D. 8.7𝑐𝑚

1
9. Which of the following triangles is not an oblique triangle?
A. C.
48°

30° 60°
33°

B. D.
60°

10. In the given ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 , 𝑚∠𝐴 = 40° , 𝑏 = 16 𝑐𝑚. and 𝑐 = 20𝑐𝑚. What is the measure of
side a ? C
A. 11.82 cm. C. 13.10 cm. a
B. 12.87 cm. D. 14.84 cm.
B
A
11. In rhombus MATH, the side measures 12 m and the diagonal measures 18 m
respectively. What is the measure of the larger angle of the rhombus?

A. 41.41° C. 82.820 M H

B. 48.590 D. 97.180
12m

A T

12. During the typhoon Yolanda, an old tree in Carcar City was damaged and leaning
off to one side. To secure the tree, an anchor post is placed in the ground 5 meters
from the tree. A 9-meter rope is attached to the anchor and wrapped around the
tree 6 meters from the base of the tree. At what angle is the tree leaning?
A. 113.120 C. 109.470
B. 110.530 D. 108.360
13. A triangle has sides of length 4 cm, 5 cm, and 8.5 cm. What is the measure of its
largest angle?
A. 141.380 C. 151.680
B. 142.330 D. 152.230

14. A bridge is supported by a triangular brace. The sides of each brace have length
63ft, 46 ft. and 40 ft. Find the measures of the angle opposite the 46 ft side.
A. 93.940 C. 39.300
B. 46.76 0 D. 35.450

15. Emanuelle and Gael went to SM Seaside to practice ice skating. During the
skating routine, Emanuelle and Gael skate apart with an angle of 150 between
them. Emanuelle skates for 5 meters and Gael skates for 7 meters. How far apart
are the skater?
A. 5.32 meters C. 3.25 meters
B. 4.52 meters D. 2.53 meters

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 Lesson The Law of Cosines
1

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o demonstrate understanding of the key concepts of the law of cosines; and
o solve problems involving the law of cosines.

What’s In

❖ Flashback
To recall on the previous module of this quarter, you have learned how to solve
oblique triangles using the law of sines.
To refresh your knowledge about the law of sines, study the example with
understanding.
Draw your own triangle given the indicated measures and solve for the other parts
using the Law of Sines. Round off the final answer to the nearest tenth.

1. Given: Solutions:
First thing to do is to draw the triangle and label it correctly.
𝑚∠ 𝐵 = 65° B Remember that the relation,
𝑚∠ 𝐶 = 79° 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝑨 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝑩 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝑪
𝑐 = 15 𝑐𝑚 650 = =
a=? 𝒂 𝒃 𝒄
790 is used for the Law of Sines.
A C
b=?
Based on the illustration, we can easily determine 𝑚 ∠ 𝐴 (interior
Find:
angles of any triangle sum up to 1800).
𝑚∠ 𝐴 = __________ Hence,𝑚 ∠ 𝐴 = 180° − ( 65° + 79°) = 36°
𝑎 = __________
𝑏 = __________ Solve for b
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐶
= since three quantities are known
𝑏 𝑐
(𝑐 , ∠ 𝐵 , ∠𝐶)
15𝑠𝑖𝑛650
𝑏= substitute known quantities
𝑠𝑖𝑛790
𝑠𝑖𝑛650 𝑠𝑖𝑛790 cross-product
=
𝑏 15
𝑏𝑠𝑖𝑛790 = 15𝑠𝑖𝑛650
15(0.906307787) use scientific calculator to find the
𝑏= value of sin 650and sin 790
0.9816271834

𝒃 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟖cm round off the answer to the nearest tenth

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 Solve for a

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐶
= since c , 𝑚 ∠ 𝐴 , and 𝑚 ∠ 𝐶 are known
𝑎 𝑐
𝑠𝑖𝑛360 𝑠𝑖𝑛790
= substitute known variables
𝑎 15

𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛790 = 15𝑠𝑖𝑛360 cross-product

15𝑠𝑖𝑛360
𝑎=
𝑠𝑖𝑛790
15(0.5877852523)
𝑎= use scientific calculator to determine
0.9816271834 the value of sin 360 and sin 790

𝒂 = 𝟗. 𝟎 cm round off the answer to the nearest tenth

Therefore, a = 9.0 cm, b=13.8 cm and 𝑚 ∠ 𝐴 = 36° .

What’s New
Try this!

1.
C
∆ ABC on the left is an oblique
triangle. Find the length of side c.
1050

A B
c

2. B
∆ ABC on the left is an oblique
c=9 triangle. Find 𝑚∠𝐵 to the nearest
degree.
A
a=6

b =5

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 What Is It?
How should I do it?

To answer the activity under What’s new, use another law, “The Law of
Cosines”. Oblique triangles can also be solved using the Law of Cosines. This law
states the following:
The square of the length of one side is equal to the sum of the squares of the
other two sides minus the product of twice the two sides and the cosine of the
angle between them.
In symbols,

Law of Cosines

In any ∆ ABC, B

𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴)
c a
𝑏 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑎𝑐(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵)

𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑏(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶)
A b
C

If three sides are given, the angles may be solved by rewriting the formulas in
the following forms:

𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶 =
2𝑏𝑐 2𝑎𝑐 2𝑎𝑏

Solutions to Try this!

1. ∆ ABC on the left is an oblique triangle. Find the length
of side c. Round-off your answer to the nearest tenth.

Solutions:
C Since side c is asked, use the formula:
1050 Substitute the given
𝒄𝟐 = 𝒂𝟐 + 𝒃𝟐 − 𝟐𝒂𝒃(𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑪) values of a, b and ∠ C
2 2 2 0
𝑐 = 8 + 10 − 2(8)(10)(𝑐𝑜𝑠105 ) Use scientific
A c =? B
𝑐 2 = 64 + 100 − 160(−0.258819045) calculator to find the
value of cos105
𝑐 2 = 164 + 41.4110

𝑐 2 = 205.4110 -- simplify

𝑐 = √205.4110 --- extract the square root from both

sides of the equation
𝑐 = 14.3 --- round off to the nearest tenth
Therefore, side c is 14.3 units long.

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2. ∆ABC on the left is an oblique triangle. Find
m∠ B to the nearest degree.

Solutions:
Since m∠ B is asked, use the formula:
B
𝒂𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐
𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑩 =
𝟐𝒂𝒄
A substitute the
6 + 92 − 52
2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = value of a, b
2(6)(9) and c
36 + 81 − 25
C 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 =
2(6)(9)
92
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = simplify
108
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = 0.851 Use scientific
calculator to find
𝐵 = (0.851)(𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ) the value of inverse
cosine or arccos

𝐵 = 360 Round-off to the

nearest degree
Therefore, m ∠B = 360.

Study the following examples with understanding.

Example 1. If the sides of a triangle are 7cm, 10cm and 12cm respectively, find the
measure of the smallest angle to the nearest degree.

Solutions:
To clearly visualize the problem, draw the triangle and assign name to it.
Let the triangle be ∆ABC as illustrated below.
C Remember that in any triangle, the angle opposite
the shortest side is the smallest angle (Hinge
b=10cm a=7cm Theorem). In this case, side a is the shortest side
and ∠ A is opposite to it, hence, ∠A is the smallest
angle of ∆ABC.
A B
c=12cm 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
𝒃 +𝒄 −𝒂
To solve for m ∠ A, use the formula: 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑨 =
𝟐𝒃𝒄
𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐
102 + 122 − 72
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = Substitute the value of a, b and c
2(10)(12)

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(Example 1 continuation….)
100 + 144 − 49
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = Simplify
240
195
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = Perform the needed operations to
240
further simplify the answer
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = 0.8125

𝐴 = (0.8125)(𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1) Use scientific calculator to find inverse

cosine or arccos
𝐴 = 360 Round-off to the nearest degree

Therefore, the measure of the smallest angle is 36 0.

Example 2. Given ∆ABC. Solve for the remaining side and angles
Given: m ∠ A=1210, b =10cm and c= 7cm

Solutions:
Sketch the problem
Solving a triangle means finding all its missing parts.
C In this case, you need to find the following:
a, m∠ B and m∠ C.

Solving for a.
b=10cm To solve for a, use the formula: 𝒂𝟐 = 𝒃𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝟐𝒃𝒄(𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑨)
𝑎2 = 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴)
A 1210
a=? 𝑎2 = 102 + 72 − 2(10)(7)(𝑐𝑜𝑠121) Substitute the given value
𝑎2 = 100 + 49 − (140)(−0.515038074) Use scientific
calculator to find
c=7cm 𝑎2 = 149 + 72.10533049 cos1210

𝑎2 = 221.10533049 Simplify
B Find the square root of both
√𝑎2 = √221.10533049
sides
𝒂 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟗𝒄𝒎 Round-off to the nearest tenth

Solving for m∠ B

All three sides of the triangle are known, to solve form ∠ B, use the formula:
𝒂𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐
𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑩 =
𝟐𝒂𝒄
Note:
a = 14.9cm, b = 10cm, c = 7cm

7
(Example 2 continuation….)

14.92 + 72 − 102
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = Substitute the value of a, b and c.
2(14.9)(7)

222.01 + 49 − 100
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = Simplify
208.6
171.01
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = Perform the needed operations to
208.6
further simplify the answer
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = 0.819798657

𝐵 =(0.819798657)(𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ) Use scientific calculator to find

inverse cosine or arccos
𝑩 = 𝟑𝟓𝟎 Round-off to the nearest degree

Solving for m ∠ C.

Strategically, to solve for the remaining angle just do simple subtraction.

(Sum of the angles of any triangle is 1800)

Hence, m∠ A + m∠ B + m∠ C =1800

1210+ 350 + m∠ C =1800 Substitute the value of ∠A and ∠ B

1560 + m∠ C = 1800 Simplify

m∠ C = 1800-1560 Use APE

m∠ C = 240

The triangle with its complete parts is shown below.

C
240

10cm

14.9cm
A 1210

7cm
350

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Example 3. Given ∆ ABC below where b=8cm, a=3cm and m∠ C=490.
Find m∠ A.
B

a=3cm

490 C
A

Solutions:
You need to find side c first in order to solve for m∠ A.
To solve for c, use the formula: 𝒄𝟐 = 𝒂𝟐 + 𝒃𝟐 − 𝟐𝒂𝒃(𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑪)

𝑐 2 = 32 + 82 − 2(3)(8)(𝑐𝑜𝑠49) Substitute the given value

𝑐 2 = 9 + 64 − (48)(0.656059029) Simplify

𝑐 2 = 41.50916661

√𝑐 2 = √41.50916661 Find the square root of both

sides
𝒄 = 𝟔. 𝟒 Round-off to the nearest tenth

Solving for m∠ A.
You already have the measures of the three sides.
You can now solve for m∠ A.

To solve for m∠ A, use the formula:

𝒃𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 − 𝒂𝟐
𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑨 =
𝟐𝒃𝒄
𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐

82 + 6.42 − 32
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = Substitute the given value
2(8)(6.4)

64 + 40.96 − 9
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 =
102.4
95.96
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = Simplify
102.4
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = 0.937109375

𝐴 = (0.937109375)(𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ) Use scientific calculator to find

for the inverse cosine

𝑨 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 Round-off to the nearest degree

Therefore, m∠ A = 200.

9
 What’s More
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

Activity 1.
Directions: Given the following parts of ∆ABC, determine if the Law of Cosines is
applicable to solve for the missing parts. Write A if it is Applicable, NA if Not
Applicable. Write your answer on your paper.

1. a=12cm ; b=15cm ; c=19.5cm

2. m∠ B=350 ; m∠ C=470 ; a=20mm

3. a=220mm ; b=190mm ; m∠ A=1140

4. b=7cm ; c=13cm ; m∠ A=920

5. m∠ B=1050 ; a=10cm ; c=14cm

Activity 2.
Directions: Study each problem carefully and answer using your knowledge on the
Law of Cosines. Write your solutions on your paper.

1. A triangle has sides equal to 5 m, 12 m and 9 m. Find the measure of the

largest angle. Round-off your answer to nearest degree.
2. Below is ∆ABC with its indicated measures.
Find the length of side b. Give your answer to the nearest tenth.
c=7cm
A B

a=5cm

3. ∆ ABC below is an oblique triangle in which m∠ B=850, b=8cm and c=14cm.

Find side a. Round off your answer to the nearest tenth.
A
850
b=8cm
c=14cm

C
a=?
B

10
 What I Need To Remember

1. Oblique ∆’s (Law of Cosines) can also be solved if and

only if the following conditions are met:

a. two sides and an included angle are given; and

Clipart1https://syr.us/Bww
b. three sides are given.

2. The following formulas are useful in solving oblique ∆’s using the Law of
Cosines
B
In any ∆ ABC,
c a
𝑎2 = 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴)
𝑏2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑎𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 )
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑏(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶 ) A C
b

If three sides are given, the angles may be solved by rewriting the formulas in
the following forms:

𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶 =
2𝑏𝑐 2𝑎𝑐 2𝑎𝑏

11
 What I Can Do

What new realizations do you have about the topics? What new
connections have you made for yourself? What questions do you still
have? Copy the LEARNED, AFFIRMED, and CHALLENGED CHART
in separate sheet of paper and complete each.

LEARNED
AFFIRMED
CHALLENGED

LEARNED AFFIRMED CHALLENGED

What new What new What questions do
realizations and connections have you still have?
learnings do you you made? Which of Which areas seem
have about the your old idea have difficult for you?
topic? been Which do you want
confirmed/affirmed? to explore?

Clipart 2:shorturl.at/kmDW9

RUBRIC-What I Can Do
10 POINTS 7 POINTS 5 POINTS
LEARNED The insights The insights The insights
reflect in-depth reflect moderate reflect limited
understanding of understanding of understanding of
the topic. the topic. the topic.
AFFIRMED The insights The insights The insights
reflect in-depth reflect moderate reflect limited
understanding of understanding of understanding of
the topic. the topic. the topic.
CHALLENGED The responses The responses The responses
reflect in-depth reflect moderate reflect limited
understanding of understanding of understanding of
the topic. the topic. the topic.

12
 Solving Real-Life Problems Involving
Lesson
Oblique Triangles using Law of
2
Cosines

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o Solve real-life problems involving oblique triangles whose:
a. two sides and an included angle are given and
b. three sides are given.

What’s In

❖ Flashback

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

𝑎2 = 𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴) 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
cos 𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐
𝑏2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑎𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵) 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2
cos 𝐵 =
2𝑎𝑐

𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 − 2𝑎𝑏 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶) 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
cos 𝐶 =
2𝑎𝑏

Activity 3: COLOR ME!

Instructions: Solve each missing part of triangle. Color the Robot
according to the matching color of each answer. (Round off the length
of sides to the nearest hundredth and the angle measures to the
nearest whole number). N
C
?
? ?
? ? N
a=? b =20 l=?
?
m =7
? 60° ?
B A ? 120°
c = 30 C M
=n=8 L
2
13
3
 a = ______ ∠𝑩 = _________ ∠𝑪 = _____ & ∠𝑿 = _____ ∠𝒀 = ________
Red Yellow Blue Orange
∠ 𝒁 = ______ l = _______ ∠𝑴 = __________ ∠𝑵 = _________
Brown Purple Black Light Blue

Questions:
1. Were you able to solve the given triangles? How?
2. In each of the given triangles, which part did you solve first and why?
3. Explain how you solved each of the given triangle.

What’s New

Being able to illustrate a problem through diagrams will help you

connect with the problem which will make solving easier. The previous
activity provided you this skill. In the next activity, illustrations based
on real-life situations are already provided. Your task is to apply the
Law of Cosines to solve the problems.

14
 Activity 4: FIND ME PLEASE!
Instruction: Below are sketches depicting real-life situations. Your task is
to find the missing part indicated in each sketch.

B
? Z
?
?
A
𝟏𝟐𝟒°
C
X Y

What Is It?
❖ Law of Cosines in Real World
The Law of Cosines states that the square of one side of a triangle is equal to the
sum of the squares of the other two sides minus twice the product of these two sides
and the cosine of their included angle. Hence, it can be applied to solve real-life
problems involving oblique triangles.

Example 1: In a parallelogram, the adjacent sides measure 53 inches and 67

inches. If the larger angle of the parallelogram measures 125 0, find the length of
the longer diagonal, to the nearest hundredth.
a) Illustration b) Given
A b =67 C ∠𝐴 = 125°
b = 67
c = 53

Find: a =?
B D

c) Solution: Solve for a.

𝑎 2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴) Use Law of Cosine with respect to a.
𝑎 2 = 672 + 532 − 2(67)(53)(𝑐𝑜𝑠 125°) Substitute the given to the formula.
𝑎 2 = 4489 + 2809 − 7102 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 125°) Simplify: 672 = 4489, 532 = 2809,
-2(67)(53) = -7102
𝑎 2 = 7298 − 7102 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 125°) Use a scientific calculator.
√𝑎 2 = √7298 − 7102 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 125°) Get the square roots of both sides.

𝑎 ≈ 106.64 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠

The longer diagonal is approximately 106.64 inches.

15
Example 2: Alcell and Yanah joins the Sinulog sa SRP Balik Baroto Regatta
Competition. Their boat had a triangular sail with side measures 9.7 meters,
10.24 meters and 3.45 meters. Find the measures of the three angles of the sail.

a) Illustration
C b) Given:

Let a = 10.24 m

𝑏 = 9.7 𝑚
𝑐 = 3.45 𝑚
Find: ∠𝐴 , ∠𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝐶

A B

c) Solution: Solve for ∠𝑨

𝑏2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 Use the Law of Cosine (alternative form)
cos 𝐴 =
2𝑏𝑐
9.72 + 3.452 − 10.242 Substitute the given to the formula.
cos 𝐴 =
2(9.7)(3.45)
Simplify: 9.72 = 94.09, 3.452 = 11.9025,
94.09 + 11.9025 − 104.8576
cos 𝐴 = 10.242 = 104.8576, 2(9.7) (3.45) = 66.93
66.93
1.1349 1.1349
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 = Get the quotient of (refrain from
66.93 66.93
rounding it off to get the most accurate answer)
cos 𝐴 ≈ 0.016956521739
Using a scientific calculator, get the arc cosine
∠𝐴 ≈ cos −1 (0.016956521739) of 0.016956521739

∠𝐴 ≈ 89.03°
d) Solution: Solve for ∠𝑩 e) Solution: Solve for ∠𝑪
𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑏2 𝑎2 + 𝑏 − 𝑐 2
cos 𝐵 = cos 𝐶 =
2𝑎𝑐 2𝑎𝑏
10.242 + 3.452 − 9.72 10.242 + 9.72 − 3.452
cos 𝐵 = cos 𝐶 =
2(10.24)(3.45) 2(10.24)(9.7)
104.8576 + 11.9025 − 94.09 104.8576 + 94.09 − 11.9025
cos 𝐵 = cos 𝐶 =
70.656 198.656
22.6701 187.0451
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 =
70.656 198.656
cos 𝐵 ≈ 0.320851732337 cos 𝐶 ≈ 0.941552734375
∠𝐵 ≈ cos −1 (0.320851732337) ∠𝐶 ≈ cos −1 (0.941552734375)
∠𝐵 ≈ 71.29° ∠𝐶 ≈ 19.69°

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 89.03° ,71.29° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 19.69° .
16
 Example 3: A volcanologist needs to measure the distance across the base of an
̅̅̅̅ denoted by z measured at 1.6 km, while the
active volcano. The distance of 𝑋𝑌
̅̅̅̅
distance of 𝑋𝑍 denoted by y is 3.7 km. Using a theodolite (a sighting instrument
used by surveyors) ∠𝑋 is found to be 97.52°. What is the distance across the base
to the nearest hundredth?
a) Illustration b) Given:
𝑧 = 1.6 𝑘𝑚
𝑦 = 3.7 𝑘𝑚
∠𝑋 = 97.52°

Find: 𝑥 =?

𝑥 =?
Z Y

𝟗𝟕. 𝟓𝟐°
X
c) Solution: Solve for 𝑥 .
𝑥 2 = 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 2𝑦𝑧 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑋) Use Law of Cosine with respect to x.
𝑥 2 = 3.72 + 1.62 − 2(3.7)(1.6)(𝑐𝑜𝑠 97.52°) Substitute the given to the formula.
𝑥 2 = 13.69 + 2.56 − 11.84 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 97.52°) Simplify: 3.72 = 13.69 , 1.62 = 2.56 ,
-2(3.7)(1.6) = -11.84
𝑥 2 = 16.25 − 11.84 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 97.52°) Use a scientific calculator to simplify.
√𝑥 2 = √16.25 − 11.84 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 97.52°) Get the square roots of both sides.

𝑥 ≈ 4.22 𝑘𝑚.
∴The distance across the base of the volcano is approximately 4.2 km.

Example 4 : Aelfric and Aljie are biking in the two-straight road at SM Seaside
SRP . The roads intersect at The CUBE ( a structural piece made of steel located
outside the SM Seaside City ) at an angle of 530. Starting at The Cube, Aelfric
rides for 18.9 km along the road towards Talisay, while Aljie rides 16.2 km
along the road towards Mambaling. How far apart are Aelfric and Aljie?
a) Illustration
C a=?
B

SM
Seaside City

530

Photo credit : Project LUPAD (Lightweight Unmanned Pilot Aerial Drone)

17
b) Given:
∠𝐴 = 53° , b = 18.9 km, c = 16.2 km
c) Find: a (the distance between Aelfric and Aljie)
d) Solution: Solve for 𝑎 .
𝑎 2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴) Use Law of Cosine with respect to a.
𝑎 2 = 18.92 + 16.22 − 2(18.9)(16.2)(𝑐𝑜𝑠 53°) Substitute the given to the formula.
𝑎 2 = 357.21 + 262.44 − 612.36 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 53°) Simplify: 18.92 = 357.21 ,16.22 = 262.44
-2(18.9) (16.2) = -612.36
𝑎 2 = 619.65 − 612.36 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 53°) Use a scientific calculator to simplify.
√𝑎 2 = √619.65 − 612.36 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 53°) Get the square roots of both sides.

𝑎 ≈ 15.85 𝑘𝑚.
∴ The distance between Aelfric and Aljie is approximately 15.85 km.

Note: Avoid rounding-off your answer if it is still part of the solution.

Wait until the final answer is derived/computed. Remember, every time
we round off, we increase the error. Carry the full calculator value until
rounding the final answer.

What’s More

Activity 5: COLOR MY TOY!

Instructions: Help Eton pick the color for his new Toy Airplane. Answer the word
problem below and color the toy airplane according to the (color) code in each
answer. Carry the full calculator value and round off the final answer up to the
nearest degree for angles and hundredths place for the sides. Show your solutions.

1. The angle of one corner of a triangular plot of ground has measure 73.670. If the
side that meet at this corner are 175 ft. and 150 ft. long, approximate the length
of the 3rd side and the measure of the two remaining angles.

GIVEN: SOLUTIONS:

150ft.

18
2. A roadway is horizontal for 524m from A to B, followed by a 230 incline 786m long
from B to C. How far is it directly from A to C. (Refer to the illustration below)

C GIVEN: SOLUTIONS:

𝜃 = 23°
A c = 524 m B

ETONS’ AIRPLANE Answer Color

Code

x = ________ Red
𝜃 = _________ Yellow
𝛽 = _________ Blue
∠𝐶 = ________ Green
∠𝐴 = ________ Black
𝑏 = _________ Gray

19
 What I Need To Remember
This lesson deals with solving word problems involving oblique
triangles by using the Law of Cosines and its application to the real world.
Different activities regarding this concept are given to ensure that students
can apply the concept in solving problem situations in real life. Through the
given activities, students will have opportunities to develop their critical
thinking skills which play a vital role in solving problems we encounter in the
real world.
Source : Mathematics 9 Learner’s Module page 503

Assessment (Post Test)

Instructions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your chosen answer on
a separate sheet of paper.
1. Given the parts of ∆ABC, which triangle can be solved using the law of cosine?
A. m∠ A=420 ; m∠ C=980 ; c=22 C. m∠ C=1160 ; a=10 ; b=19
B. m∠ B=750 ; m∠ A=350 ; c=14 D. m∠ B=1300 ; b=5 ; c=18

2. Which of the following conditions guarantee that the law of cosine can be used to
solve for any oblique triangle?
A. LA Theorem C. ASA Case
B. AAA Case D. SAS Case

3. What is an oblique triangle? It is a kind of triangle with_______.

A. no right-angle C. one right angle
B. three equal sides D. three equal angles

4. ∆ABC below is an oblique triangle, find the length of side b.

A. 7 C. 9.8
C
b a=12 B. 8 D. 10.4
290
A B
c=16
5. Which of the following law of cosine formula is used to solve m∠ C?
A. 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 C. 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶 =
2𝑎𝑏 2𝑎𝑏
2 2 2 2 2 2
B. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶 = 𝑏 + 𝑐 − 𝑎 D. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐶 = 𝑏 + 𝑐 − 𝑎
2𝑏𝑐 2𝑏𝑐
6. Given below is an oblique ∆ ABC. Find m∠ A to the nearest degree.
A. 290 B
B. 300 c a=7
C. 440
D. 570 550
A C
b=10
20
7. If the sides of a triangle are 17,24 and 39, respectively, find the measure of the
smallest angle to the nearest degree.
A. 120 B. 150 C. 350 D. 420
8. Given the following parts of ∆ABC, solve for the third side.
a =16cm; c =18cm; m∠ B=960
A. 25.30𝑐𝑚 B. 30.4𝑐𝑚 C. 34.2𝑐𝑚 D. 40.4𝑐𝑚

9. A parallelogram has a 1200 angle and sides 6 cm and 10 cm long. Find the
length of its diagonals.
A. 11 cm and 5.78 cm C. 13 cm and 7.28 cm
B. 12 cm and 6.82 cm D. 14 cm and 8.72 cm

10. A TelCo tower is 23.5 meter tall makes an angle of 110.2 0 with the inclined
road in which it is located. Determine the angle subtended by the tower at a
point down the road which is 28.2 meter from its foot.
A. 31.300 C. 33.500
B. 31.270 D. 34.600

11. A triangular field has sides of length 212 m, 255 m, and 168 m. Determine the
angle opposite to the longest side of the triangular field.
A. 40.880 C. 83.440
B. 55.68 0 D. 90.840

12. Two straight roads intersect at point C and makes an angle of 42.60. At point A
on one road stands a building that is 368 meters away from the intersection. At
point B on the other road is a building that is 426 meters away from C. How far
apart are the two buildings?
A. 293.44 m C. 444.90 m
B. 384.98 m D. 584.84 m

13. Two ships leave a dock at the same time. One sails northeast at the rate of 15
km/hr., the other ship sails west at the rate of 20 km/hr. How far apart are
they after two hours if they make an angle of 1350?
A. 63.46 km C. 65.64 km.
B. 64.78 km D. 66.54 km

14. Point M is 1.4 km from one end of a lake and 2.2 km. from the other end. If at
Point M the lake subtends an angle of 540, what is the length of the lake?
A. 1.78 km. C. 4.13 km.
B. 3.16 km. D. 6.31 km.

15. A ladder that is 24 ft. long is leaning against a sloping embankment. The foot of
the ladder is 11 ft. from the base of the embarkment, and the distance from the
top of the ladder down the embankment to the ground is 16 ft. What is the
angle at which the embankment is inclined to the horizontal?
A. 22.210 C. 124.430
B. 33.36 0 D. 132.440

21
 Answer Key
Remember: This portion of the module contains all the answers. Your HONESTY is
required.

22
 23
Activity 5: COLOR MY TOY!
References

Text Book
Merden L. Bryant et al. Mathematics 9 Learner’s Manual, Department Of
Education- Instructional Materials Council Secretariat (DepEd- IMCS),
Pasig City, Philippines
Math Digest; pp. 61-63; Maria Fe Rebecca D. Gueta

Websites
The Law of Cosines(https://bit.ly/2RQVybU): accessed May 17, 2021
Cosine Rule(https://bit.ly/2QXlwKe): accessed May 17, 2021
https://www.analyzemath.com/Geometry/cosine_law_problems.html
https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Geometry/TrigApps/TALawCosinesPractice.html

YouTube

“Law of Sines and Law of Cosines Word Problem ,Brian Gainz, accessed
April 23 , 2021 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dR9fcEYyH8
“Problem Solving With the Law of Cosines”, Mr. S MAth , accessed
April23,2021 - A Trigonometry Word Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeyYD84fJo8
“Applications of Law of sines/cosines” , Jennifer Heckman accessed
April23,2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZJZzz5dl5E
“Law of Cosines, Word Problem #1”,patrickJMT , accessed April23,2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hl0LDQoqJ8
Project LUPAD (Lightweight Unmanned Pilot Aerial Drone)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkVHkdcnre4
Cliparts
Clipart 1: retrieved May 19, 2021(https://bit.ly/3wDMtBV) clipart1

Clipart 2: retrieved May 19, 2021, Clipart 2:shorturl.at/kmDW9

Bitmoji: retrieved May 27, 2021 , shorturl.at/chjC4

Congratulations!
You are now ready for the next module. Always remember the following:

1. Make sure every answer sheet has your

▪ Name
▪ Grade and Section
▪ Title of the Activity or Activity No.
2. Follow the date of submission of answer sheets as agreed with your
teacher.
3. Keep the modules with you AND return them at the end of the school
year or whenever face-to-face interaction is permitted.

24