Triangle Challenge: Evaluate $\cos \angle B$

In summary, cosine is a trigonometric function that represents the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse of a right triangle. To find its value for a specific angle, one can use a scientific calculator or the Pythagorean theorem. The range of values for cosine is between -1 and 1, with the maximum value occurring at 0 degrees or 180 degrees and the minimum value at 90 degrees. The value of cosine increases as the angle increases for acute angles and decreases for obtuse angles. Cosine is also related to other trigonometric functions through their respective ratios, known as trigonometric identities.
  • #1
anemone
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In a triangle $ABC$ with side lengths $a,\,b$ and $c$, it's given that $17a^2+b^2+9c^2=2ab+24ac$.

Evaluate $\cos \angle B$.
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
In a triangle $ABC$ with side lengths $a,\,b$ and $c$, it's given that $17a^2+b^2+9c^2=2ab+24ac$.

Evaluate $\cos \angle B$.

we have $a^2 - 2ab + b^2 + 16a^2- 24ac + 9c^2 = (a-b)^2 + (4a-3c)^2 = 0$
hence $ a = b $ and $4a= 3c=>\frac{c}{a} = \frac{4}{3}$
hence $\cos \angle B = \frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2ac} = \frac{c^2}{2ac} = \frac{c}{2a} =\frac{2}{3} $
 
  • #3
kaliprasad said:
we have $a^2 - 2ab + b^2 + 16a^2- 24ac + 9c^2 = (a-b)^2 + (4a-3c)^2 = 0$
hence $ a = b $ and $4a= 3c=>\frac{c}{a} = \frac{4}{3}$
hence $\cos \angle B = \frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2ac} = \frac{c^2}{2ac} = \frac{c}{2a} =\frac{2}{3} $

Well done, kaliprasad and thanks for participating!
 

Related to Triangle Challenge: Evaluate $\cos \angle B$

1. What is the definition of cosine?

Cosine is a trigonometric function that represents the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

2. How do you find the value of cosine for a specific angle in a triangle?

To find the value of cosine for a specific angle in a triangle, you can use a scientific calculator or refer to a cosine table. Alternatively, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the adjacent side and the hypotenuse, and then use the definition of cosine to find its value.

3. What is the range of values for cosine?

The range of values for cosine is between -1 and 1. This means that the maximum value of cosine is 1, which occurs when the angle is 0 degrees or 180 degrees, and the minimum value is -1, which occurs when the angle is 90 degrees.

4. How does the value of cosine change as the angle increases or decreases?

The value of cosine changes as the angle increases or decreases based on the trigonometric ratios. When the angle is acute (less than 90 degrees), the value of cosine increases as the angle increases. When the angle is obtuse (greater than 90 degrees), the value of cosine decreases as the angle increases.

5. What is the relationship between cosine and the other trigonometric functions?

Cosine is related to the other trigonometric functions (sine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent) through their respective ratios. For example, the sine of an angle is equal to the cosine of its complementary angle, and the tangent of an angle is equal to the sine divided by the cosine of that angle. These relationships are known as trigonometric identities and are useful for solving various trigonometric equations.

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