Cosine Law:
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The Cosine Law, also known as the Law of Cosines, is a formula that relates the lengths of the sides of a triangle to the cosine of one of its angles. It's particularly useful for solving triangles when you know all three side lengths.
The calculator uses the Cosine Law formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the angle opposite to side a using the lengths of all three sides of the triangle.
Details: Calculating angles from side lengths is essential in various fields including engineering, architecture, navigation, and computer graphics. It helps in determining the shape and properties of triangles.
Tips: Enter all three side lengths in meters. Ensure the values form a valid triangle (sum of any two sides must be greater than the third side). All values must be positive.
Q1: What if I get an error message?
A: The error means your side lengths don't form a valid triangle. Check that the sum of any two sides is greater than the third side.
Q2: Can I calculate other angles with this calculator?
A: This calculator specifically finds angle A. To find other angles, you would need to rearrange the formula with the appropriate sides.
Q3: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters, but any consistent unit will work as long as all sides use the same unit.
Q4: How accurate is the calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise based on the inputs. The result is rounded to two decimal places for readability.
Q5: Can this calculate angles for any triangle?
A: Yes, the Cosine Law works for all types of triangles: acute, right, and obtuse.