PreCalculus
Activity:
Law of Sine and Cosine
Posted on Apr 24, 2008
Topic: Trigonometric Identities
In this activity, students will explore the proofs of the Laws, investigate various cases where they are utilized, and apply them to solve problems.
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Activity Key Steps:
Problem 1 gives students the opportunity to review the Law of Sine and Cosine. They are also asked to recall from Geometry what SAS, ASA, SAA, SAS, SSS, and SSA mean and which one does not always work.
In problem 2, students prove the Law of Sine. The proof involves using right triangle trigonometry.
They manipulate the given triangle to end up with both a right and obtuse triangle.
Problem 5 gives students an opportunity to explore a real world application of the Law of Cosine.
At the end of this activity, students will be able to prove the Law of Cosine and Sine. They apply the laws to solve problems and investigate cases where these can be utilized.