How do you solve the triangle given a=1.42, b=0.75, c=1.25?

1 Answer
May 16, 2017

A = 86.68
B = 31.82
C = 61.5
(2dp)

Explanation:

Just to clarify, A is the angle opposite side a, B opposite side b, and the same for C.

1st step : Get your calculator!

2nd step : Let's start by working out the angle A. The Law of Cosines states that cos A = (b^2+c^2-a^2)/(2bc)
Let's substitute the known values :
cos A = (0.75^2+1.25^2-1.42^2)/(2*0.75*1.25)

3rd step : At this point, you will probably need a calculator. Ok, let's simplify this. With my calculator, I got : 181/3125

4th step : So right now, cos A = 181/3125
We need to get A on its own. To do that, we take the inverse cosine of 181/3125.
cos^-1(181/3125) = 86.67957016......
Let's just round that to 2 decimal places : 86.68

Next, let's work out side B. Although you can solve this using sine, since you asked us about using the Law of Cosine, I will use the Law of Cosine.

cos B = (a^2+c^2-b^2)/(2ac)

Substitute known values :

cos B = (1.42^2+1.25^2-0.75^2)/(2*1.42*1.25)

Plug in numbers on your calculator

cos B = 7541/8875

Take the inverse cosine of that :

B = 31.82201662
Round it to 2 decimal places : 31.82

Ok, so because interior angles add up to 180 in a triangle, let's set this equation for the last angle :

31.82+86.68+C=180
118.5+C=180
C=61.5

I'll leave it for you to check angle C using the Law of Cosines.