law of cosines

law of cosines, Generalization of the Pythagorean theorem relating the lengths of the sides of any triangle. If a, b, and c are the lengths of the sides and C is the angle opposite side c, then c2 = a2 + b2 − 2ab cos C.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.
Citation Information
Article Title: law of cosines
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 25 January 2025
Access Date: February 22, 2025