In triangle XYZ if x=1, y=2, z=sqrt5, how do you find the exact value of cosZ?

2 Answers
Jan 14, 2017

cosZ=0

Explanation:

As x=1, y=2 and z=sqrt5,

it is apparent that the square on the largest side z=sqrt5 is 5 and is equal to sum of the squares on other two sides of the triangle as 5=1^2+2^2

Hence z is hypotenuse and m/_Z=pi/2

and cosZ=0

Jan 14, 2017

Applying cosine law for triangle we can write

cosZ=(x^2+y^2-z^2)/(2xy)

=>cosZ=(1^2+2^2-(sqrt5)^2)/(2*1*2)=(5-5)/4=0