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law of cosines
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law of cosines

mathematics
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Also known as: cosines, law of
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cosine

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.