Cosine Challenge

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is centered on practicing the application of the Law of Cosines to solve for unknown sides and angles in various triangles. Students are given six different triangle problems, each with certain side lengths and angles provided. They must apply the Law of Cosines formula to determine the missing side or angle in each triangle, ensuring that their answers are rounded to the nearest tenth. The problems presented range from straightforward to more complex, requiring careful substitution of the given values and precise calculation. This worksheet offers a practical way for students to solidify their understanding of how the Law of Cosines works in diverse triangular scenarios.

Through this worksheet, students learn to apply the Law of Cosines effectively in situations where other trigonometric rules, like the Law of Sines, may not be applicable. It challenges students to recognize when this particular law is the best tool for solving a problem involving triangles, especially those that are not right-angled. As students work through the problems, they develop their skills in accurately substituting known values into the formula and performing the necessary calculations with precision. The requirement to round answers to the nearest tenth further reinforces the importance of accuracy in mathematical work. Ultimately, this worksheet helps students gain confidence in using the Law of Cosines to tackle a variety of geometric problems.