Cosine Chronicles

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is about applying the Law of Cosines to solve problems involving triangles with different side lengths and angles. Students are presented with various triangles, some with given side lengths and angles, and are required to find the unknown side or angle. The worksheet emphasizes the use of the Law of Cosines formula, where students must correctly substitute the known values and solve for the missing variable. The problems encourage students to work with both right and non-right triangles, providing a well-rounded practice of the concept. Each answer must be rounded to the nearest tenth, adding an extra layer of precision to the calculations.

This worksheet is designed to teach students how to effectively use the Law of Cosines in solving triangle-related problems. It guides students in identifying when the Law of Cosines is necessary, particularly in situations where other trigonometric rules like the Law of Sines would not apply. By solving these problems, students enhance their ability to work with triangles that do not have right angles, a common scenario in advanced geometry. The worksheet also focuses on precision, as students must round their answers to the nearest tenth, reinforcing careful calculation. Ultimately, it aims to build students’ confidence and competence in handling complex trigonometric problems.