Warm

Up 7.3
Solve the triangle with the given measurements.

A = 51o
B = 44 o
c = 11

Determine if 1, 2, or no triangles could exist with the given

measurements.

A = 37o

A = 62 o

a=8
b = 14

a = 32
b = 34

Unit 7: Trigonometric
Ratios and Functions
Target 7.3
APPLY THE LAW OF COSINES
(S8.3)

Use the Law of Cosines when you ______________ have a pair (no
matching sides or angles).

(a/A should always be the

side/angle you want to nd)

a = b + c 2bc cos A

A
b
c
B

Solve the triangle with the given measurements.

a = 11
c = 14
B = 34 o

*Note: When you are using the Law of Cosines and you have a
choice of which angle to nd rst, always start with the
_________________ angle!

Solve the triangle with the given measurements.

a = 11
b = 27
c = 20

Scientists can use a set of footprints to calculate an organisms step

angle, which is a measure of walking eciency. The closer the step
angle is to 180o, the more eciently the organism walked. The
diagram below shows a set of footprints for a dinosaur. Find the
step angle B.