Demystifying - The cosine rule for sides

Drills

c² = a² + b² − 2ab cos C for the side facing a known included angle, with the subtraction done last.

Author note — to cover (Higher)

Higher only (G22, formula to know): c squared equals a squared plus b squared minus 2ab cos C for the third side from two sides and the included angle, evaluating the subtraction last and square-rooting at the end; an obtuse included angle makes the cosine negative. (G22)

  • Fluency — direct questions on the cosine rule for sides, limited to this lesson's stated scope (4 questions).
  • Application — use the same skill in unfamiliar or contextual questions without introducing a later method (4 questions).
  • Check — questions built around the exclusions and likely misconceptions named in the lesson brief (4 questions).

The test

—coming soon—

Where to go next

The method this drill practises is taught on The cosine rule for sides.