Is There a Straightforward Proof for the Cosine Rule?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the search for a straightforward proof of the cosine rule in mathematics, particularly in preparation for an upcoming exam. The original poster expresses difficulty in finding a simple proof, noting that existing ones appear too advanced. A user suggests checking Wikipedia, which offers various proofs for the cosine rule. The original poster acknowledges this suggestion and expresses gratitude for the resource. The conversation highlights the challenge students face in understanding mathematical proofs.
atwarwithmaths
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi Guys/Girls,

I have a maths exam tomorrow and there is a chance I could be asked to prove the cosine rule or sine rule.

Well I have a simple proof of the sine rule but cannot find a simple one for the cosine. They all seem very advanced.

Would anybody have a straightforward proof for the cosine rule?

Thanks,
atwarwithmaths
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Thats perfect thanks.. Stupid me, I turn to wikipedia for everything else.!
 
Thread 'Video on imaginary numbers and some queries'
Hi, I was watching the following video. I found some points confusing. Could you please help me to understand the gaps? Thanks, in advance! Question 1: Around 4:22, the video says the following. So for those mathematicians, negative numbers didn't exist. You could subtract, that is find the difference between two positive quantities, but you couldn't have a negative answer or negative coefficients. Mathematicians were so averse to negative numbers that there was no single quadratic...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
Thread 'Unit Circle Double Angle Derivations'
Here I made a terrible mistake of assuming this to be an equilateral triangle and set 2sinx=1 => x=pi/6. Although this did derive the double angle formulas it also led into a terrible mess trying to find all the combinations of sides. I must have been tired and just assumed 6x=180 and 2sinx=1. By that time, I was so mindset that I nearly scolded a person for even saying 90-x. I wonder if this is a case of biased observation that seeks to dis credit me like Jesus of Nazareth since in reality...

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
12K
3
Replies
105
Views
6K
Replies
3
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Back
Top